Wooden knife handles add beauty, character, and a natural feel to your blade, but water can quickly turn that beauty into a burden. Because wood is porous, it absorbs moisture, weakens fibers, creates splinters, and can eventually cause the scales to separate from the knife. Thankfully, with a bit of care, you can keep your handle strong, sleek, and resistant to water damage. The key lies in oils, waxes, sealers, and treatments like tung oil, boiled linseed oil, and beeswax that condition the wood and create a barrier against moisture. Preparing the handle properly, cleaning, drying, sanding, and applying multiple coats of oil followed by wax, ensures a durable finish that looks and feels great. Maintenance is essential; treating the handle every few months and drying it promptly after exposure prevents long-term damage. Choosing a naturally water-resistant wood like cocobolo, ironwood, or stabilized burl can give you built-in protection if you prefer minimal upkeep. Ultimately, your knife’s handle is more than just an accessory; it’s the connection point between you and your blade. Protecting it from water and maintaining it with care will preserve its look, performance, and reliability on every adventure.
source: https://eknives.com/blog/handle-with-care-waterproofing-your-wood-knife-handle/
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