When dealing with material that hasn't been stabilized,especially lighter coored wood,has any one had problems with the brass from the guard or butt migrating into the pores of the wood and turning the colors dark?And also the fine dust from darker woods getting into the lghter stuff in handles like this? http://home.earthlink.net/~kollerknives/_uimages/cunninghamhunter.jpg (http://http://home.earthlink.net/~kollerknives/_uimages/cunninghamhunter.jpg)

He is another question.Has anyone used oxalic(sp) acid,same used to clean leather,to clean the wood before applying the finish?

I have good results on two knives so far.I rinsed them well after just two quick dips in the acid ,and making sure that the blade was keep free of the acid ,I allow the wood to dry and then applied linseed oil.

Last question.If you have or haven't done this,lets discuss the possible pros and cons of this.Okay?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, dark dust and light wood is an age old problem. One thing that can help is using some sort of wood sealer (even if you intend to remove it later) on the finished light wood before beginning on the darker material. If you are talking about metal (from a brass guard), it is possible to have the guard almost completely finished before even attaching the handle material.

Have not tried oxalic acid- what is it supposed to do that is a unique benefit to the knifemaker? I know it occurs in Rhubarb leaves, and is poison, but that's about the limit of my understanding.

Oxalic acid is used to clean leather of smudges(wax,etc...) before applying dye and finish,and does great at that.

It is also an ingredient used in wood bleach that is uesd to refresh/clean those weathered sun decks and porches.One reason why I tried it on that handle that I mentioned.

I am aware that it ,as so many things that we use ,has it draw backs,but i do take cautions to avoid them(gloves,adequate ventilation,...)

I was curious if any had used it and what results they had.Pro's and con's.

after futher searching i found mention of it's use at
www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm (http://www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm) under the 'handles' topic.

must not be to much vodoo!! :)