Thread: My first restoration: H.Böker & Co. Perfection in Cocobolo

I hand sand somewhere close to 1K, then buff it on a buffer. Last set of knives I made using Bois d' Arc (sp?) for the handles I finished the handles with Mothers carnuba, rubbing in the wax like I would tongue oil until it was at that tacky stage with no more slipperiness. I set it down and did the same to 5 others. I then used an old t-shirt to hand buff the wood & repeated two more times. Turned out nicely, but never subjected them to water like pixelfixed is talking about & I trust his word. Bois d' Arc is yellow, so if there was any whitening it didn't show. Same guy ordered five more knives...

This is about the best I have found anywhere on CA finishes

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ints-tips.html

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I decided to strip the poly and I am going to use the CA. I didnt like the rubbery tacky feel that poly was giving. I also didnt like such a gloopy glossy look on what is suposed to be a nice classy razor.

In reality, coco is not a finish friendly wood.Has a very high oil content.

You are right its not an easy wood. I will say that having used some of this wood that is a few years old vs. this one which is about 40 years old, the oil content in the wood eventually diminishes so does the smell and iritating properties of the wood.

I have experience working with it as I have made musical instruments with it. I found it works great with shellac once you have wiped it down with acetone or alcohol to remove the oils. My only concern is with shellac or french polishing is that it is not so water resistant. Also, shellac doesnt do so well when its handled often since the oils from the skin eventually wear out the finish.
Is shellac used often to finish razor scales?

I will try this CA glue technique and see if I can learn a new way of finishing to my arsenal.

Not really a fan of wood scales,But if I were to make some I would CA the inside only.Than do the outsides to 800 grit,burnish well with Rottonstone and oil,heavily wax with renwax.
The natural shine will last a very long time.

the principles of a french polish and a CA finish are not that far apart. If you can do a french polish you can figure out CA

Originally Posted by RezDog

the principles of a french polish and a CA finish are not that far apart. If you can do a french polish you can figure out CA

Very true,I just have an aversion to plastic finishes on fine woods.To my eye something is missing.