Knife handle question

JohnPL · September 11, 2002, 06:04 AM

I know this is not really a gunsmithing issue, but I figured someone here could help me out...My new bird and trout knife has a stacked leather disk handle that has some dry, rough spots-what is the best way to smooth them out and to treat the leather? Thanks!

jimsbowies · September 11, 2002, 09:03 AM

Is it a Randall?

JohnPL · September 11, 2002, 09:07 PM

Not a Randall, its a Kabar. Not too expensive, but it holds a nice edge and feels good in the hand-perfect size for small game.

CDPshooter · September 12, 2002, 10:00 AM

You could try a light application of Neatsfoot Oil, available at leather shops (Tandy, etc). It will darken the leather a bit, but will restore any dry spots, and protect it from moisture. This is what I use when making knife sheaths.

Mike

redneck · September 12, 2002, 10:23 PM

Go slowly with some fine grit sandpaper (220-320) on the rough spots, then apply some sort of leather conditioner. Neatsfoot oil is good stuff but will turn the leather almost black. If your worried about the color you might look into some other stuff.

Dfariswheel · September 13, 2002, 07:39 PM

As above, smooth out rough areas with sandpaper. Teat with whatever leather dressing you like.

Then apply a light coat of Thompson's Wter Seal. Although made for wood and canvas, light applications will waterproof the leather without making it greasy.

I've used this on Ka-bar knives used by divers. It prevents the leather from rotting or getting water soaked, either of which will destroy the handle.

DeBee · September 14, 2002, 02:01 PM

I think I saw something like this being done to stacked leather handles- they were being buffed with a hard felt wheel and (brown) tripoli...

JohnPL · September 16, 2002, 07:22 AM

Good advice from all. Thanks. I'll experiment on an old handle to see what looks, feels, works best.

Dave P · September 16, 2002, 07:47 AM

Doesn't the neetsfoot oil soften the leather, which you normally don't want?

I use Butchers floor wax (carnuba) on my leather and stag handles - great shine and reasonable protection from the elements.

September 11, 2002, 06:04 AM	#1
JohnPL Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2001 Posts: 105	Knife handle question I know this is not really a gunsmithing issue, but I figured someone here could help me out...My new bird and trout knife has a stacked leather disk handle that has some dry, rough spots-what is the best way to smooth them out and to treat the leather? Thanks!

September 11, 2002, 09:03 AM	#2
jimsbowies Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2002 Location: Charlotte Posts: 332	Randall? Is it a Randall?

September 12, 2002, 10:23 PM	#5
redneck Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 364	Go slowly with some fine grit sandpaper (220-320) on the rough spots, then apply some sort of leather conditioner. Neatsfoot oil is good stuff but will turn the leather almost black. If your worried about the color you might look into some other stuff. __________________ Fix it right the first time... Use Baling Wire !

September 11, 2002, 09:07 PM	#3
JohnPL Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2001 Posts: 105	Not a Randall, its a Kabar. Not too expensive, but it holds a nice edge and feels good in the hand-perfect size for small game.

September 12, 2002, 10:00 AM	#4
CDPshooter Member Join Date: February 23, 2002 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 20	You could try a light application of Neatsfoot Oil, available at leather shops (Tandy, etc). It will darken the leather a bit, but will restore any dry spots, and protect it from moisture. This is what I use when making knife sheaths. Mike

September 13, 2002, 07:39 PM	#6
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	As above, smooth out rough areas with sandpaper. Teat with whatever leather dressing you like. Then apply a light coat of Thompson's Wter Seal. Although made for wood and canvas, light applications will waterproof the leather without making it greasy. I've used this on Ka-bar knives used by divers. It prevents the leather from rotting or getting water soaked, either of which will destroy the handle.

September 14, 2002, 02:01 PM	#7
DeBee Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 1999 Posts: 408	I think I saw something like this being done to stacked leather handles- they were being buffed with a hard felt wheel and (brown) tripoli...

September 16, 2002, 07:22 AM	#8
JohnPL Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2001 Posts: 105	Good advice from all. Thanks. I'll experiment on an old handle to see what looks, feels, works best.

September 16, 2002, 07:47 AM	#9
Dave P Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,346	Doesn't the neetsfoot oil soften the leather, which you normally don't want? I use Butchers floor wax (carnuba) on my leather and stag handles - great shine and reasonable protection from the elements.