Ecart Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Hi all, When I finish a handle, whether it is slabs or a hidden tang, I usually use several coats of tung oil. Lately I have tried to use two coats of 2 ton epoxy, lightly sanding between coats, then buffing the last coat. Not sure how it is working to seal the handles as I just started doing it. But now I'm faced with something new. I am making a hunting knife for myself and I'm coming close to making the handle slabs. The slabs will be made of cherry. But a few years ago for my birthday, a friend sent me some odd pieces of leftover petrified mammoth tusk to use as inlay. I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to use some of it! But how should I seal it to make sure the wood and the tusk are protected from the elements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Best stuff I have ever found is Kwik-Poly. Takes some practice to work with as it hardens in about 10 minutes. It is extremely thin as first mixed though and will penetrate deeply and seal even in one coat like nothing else I have ever found... and I have LOOKED and TRIED!!! Towel bars, handles and countertops become impervious to mosture when primed with this. Link: Kwik-Poly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 I only use handle materials that have been stabilized. including old ivory. Rarely do I buy anything that is not prepared this way but when I do I send it to be stabilized. After installing the handles I finish them and buff. Done deal. They are ready for wotever they meet in life with no fear of failed finishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 There are some materials that are so dense that they will not accept the stabilizing product. A couple to mention are desert ironwood and sambar stag. I do use those like they came and do not apply finishes as they are not needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecart Posted June 18, 2011 Author Share Posted June 18, 2011 Thanks for the replies guys. I'll have to give the Kwik-Polly a good look. It looks like it could do the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattBower Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Best stuff I have ever found is Kwik-Poly. Takes some practice to work with as it hardens in about 10 minutes. It is extremely thin as first mixed though and will penetrate deeply and seal even in one coat like nothing else I have ever found... and I have LOOKED and TRIED!!! Towel bars, handles and countertops become impervious to mosture when primed with this. Link: Kwik-Poly Thanks for this tip. It sounds like very promising stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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