Finishing a handle

[caneman]

I just found an old CVA Knife kit that I had bought years ago before moving. It looks like a good project for an old guy.

What king of finish works best for ease and durability for walnut? I thought of varnish, epoxy, soaking in linseed oil and ran out of ideas at that point.

Is there any kind of finish to put on the brass pommel etc to prevent tarnishing?

 

[Squirt239]

I highly recommend Forby's Tung oil. You can get it in low or high gloss. Pretty tough stuff. You can pick it up at your local Lowe's. It comes in a green can with a red top. Has a picture of a gentleman on the front sporting glasses. It's a pretty tough finish. Just be sure to let it dry. It stays soft for a while before it takes on an almost laquer finish.

As far as the brass goes...I have heard of putting a spray clear on it after polishing. I personally haven't tried it, but could be a way to go. Good luck!

 

[IndyGunworks]

tru oil, hand rubbed and looks great

 

[cubby]

is the piece you have stablized? that will be a huge factor in how successful you will be.

for working with brass i would contact someone like Jade at Starling Gear. guy is super nice, smart, and works with brass every day. he will have a trick or three for you.......

 

[caneman]

The wood is just a chunk of walnut slightly oversize. I'll do a search on how to stabilize.

Can't find a listing or reference to Starling Gear on the search.

 

[kboom524]

tru oil, hand rubbed and looks great

Tru oil is one of the best finishes I have found for walnut. I have used it on a few knife handles and gun stocks. It worked great, and is very durable. Walnut, well dried, is typically a very stable wood. I have never found a need to stabilize it any further. Your scales have been lying around long enough it has moved as much as it is going to. Give it a good coat of tru oil and it will be fine.

 

[cubby]

Tru oil is one of the best finishes I have found for walnut. I have used it on a few knife handles and gun stocks. It worked great, and is very durable. Walnut, well dried, is typically a very stable wood. I have never found a need to stabilize it any further. Your scales have been lying around long enough it has moved as much as it is going to. Give it a good coat of tru oil and it will be fine.

stablization not only helps it to not shrink, it fills in gaps and holes in the blanks. very important.

 

[tyler34]

stablization not only helps it to not shrink, it fills in gaps and holes in the blanks. very important.

a little info on stabilized wood from the company I buy mine from(awaits cubby to tell me why I shouldn't deal with them)


Woodstabilizer.com| Acrylic Stabilized Wood for Knife Handle, Knife Scales, Pistol Grips and Gun Grips

 

[cubby]

thats who i use, too. so DON'T use them while i await my orders (no worries in the foreseeable future, so carry on!).....