I am in the process of making a large bowie style knife using a chunk of true wrought iron that i plan to etch in acid and cherrywood for the handle.  My question is regarding what options of a finish/protectant i have for the wrought iron guard.  Thanks!

 

 

Do I understand correctly that your plan is to make a knife blade out of wrought iron?  Or are you planning on only using the wrought iron for the guard, and something else for the blade?

The Blade was forged out of spring steel. The guard is wrought iron.

When I etch my wrought iron guard,  I polish them to 350 grit , then Fill the tang hole with propoxy and let it set in white vinger i let it set and clean it with hot water ever often to check to how much is etched. When i have the wrought iron etched where I want , I clean it with hot water and four 0 steel wool Then i oil the guard and let it dry then I put a good coat of past wax on the metal and work it in. then set it aside  for a night. 

What kind of oil? And why fill the tang slot with propoxy prior to etching?

Why fill the hole?----So as to not mess up the mating surfaces of the guard to the blade.

Also is you want to make the the etch alittle better you can use cold blue and then buff it with 2000 wet dry paper. For oil you can use 3 in 1 oil. Wd 40 both work good.