cocobolo stabilization ?

[joe sangster]

Cocobolo at one time was my most favored knife handle but I have almost quit using it due to my inability to prevent its color change after the initial finish. Anyone have a way to prevent it from darkening with age ?

Thanks, Joe

[Don Cowles]

Joe, it can't be stabilized.

You can retard/minimize color change by applying a couple of coats of Armorall to the wood before you apply the final finish you are planning.

[joe sangster]

Don , thanks for the info. I'll give the Armorall a try. Do you use Armorall on other kinds of scales ? Joe

[Don Cowles]

I have tried it on Padauk and on Osage Orange to good effect.

[EdgarFigaro]

Do you have any trouble getting your finish to stick afterwards?
I guess part would depend on the finish, what was the finish you used?

My grandpa used armor all under a finish for a padauk jewelry box that he made, and I replicated in a bit of a large size to learn to how make the variety. Off center lathe turned. He said after putting the armor all on he had trouble getting the finish to flow out right.

Not sure if he used lacquer or what. I know silicone that's in some products can cause problems, but you can usually add a little to the finish to then make it flow out better.

Very curious to hear how you do it, as I'd like to keep some cocobolo lighter, but I like the dark just as well.

[Don Cowles]

I have only used wax to finish my wood handles. Either renaissance wax, or Johnson's paste floor wax. Both work very well on knife handles that have been sanded to 1000 grit.