Blood wood finishing

[Brett]

Hi!
Any advice for a newbee on working with ther blood wood scales, please? What is better for finishing: an oil or varnish?

Thanks,
Brett

[DC KNIVES]

Hi Brett, I use Birchwood/Casey Gun Stock Wax then buff using white rouge .Tung Oil also works good.I wouldn't reccommend varnish on any knife.Dave
Here's one recently done with Bloodwood scales.

[Sandy Morrissey]

Dave, your creations never cease to impress me. I check the calenders every day, thanks to your bride! --Sandy--

[Brett]

Thank you for the info! Excellent knife you made!

I found some information that the bloodwood may discolor with time when exposed to sunlight and can warp in thin layers, and distributor recommends to use sealer.

Did you encounter any problems when worked with this wood? And can the Gun Stock Wax or Tung Oil be considered as sealers?

Thanks again for your time.
Brett

[DC KNIVES]

Sandy my good friend, thank you.You as well as others here keep the bar high enough to make us better makers.For that I am in your debt.My wife thanks you as well.

Brett, thanks for your kind comment.I have not encountered any problems as yet, but discoloration is possible as with Purpleheart and others.The only real fix that I know of is to stabilize the wood.The wax and tung oil will act as a sealer but some discoloration may still occur.As I said ,I have not noticed any yet, but that would not turn me off of the wood.Hope this helps, Dave.

[Brett]

Thanks Dave, I really appreciate the info!

Brett

[Brett]

Just info for beginners: the comparison of a different kinds of Tung Oil, Danish Oil, Linseed Oil and Spar Varnishes, content, pros and cons. Which is durable, which is deep yellow, which has plastic appearance, also about UV protection.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish2.html
http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/finish7.shtml
http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/finish6.shtml

Brett