Square one for DIY sgian dubh.

[AKScott]

Fooling around with the varnish may leave you with a soft finish. Be careful.

I have used this method on pieces of wood not related to traditional Scottish firearms with great effect. It is especially useful to seal up the inside of a gunstock from humidity changes. Very thin layer so the metal parts still fit, but provides weather protection.

With adequate drying time a few diluted coats like this sanded up between coats and covered with full strength varnish works incredibly well in the field on the outside of the stock.

I always use Watco Danish oil and then varnish after it dries for a week. Great grain and the varnish isn't compromised.

I may use just the same unscented mineral oil I use on my cutting boards. Not especially durable, but it will pick up a patina over time. I have my grandfather's cutting board in my kitchen now. It is an amazing piece of flat sawn white oak with no spilts in it yet. Someday it will end up in a firepit at a family reunion, maybe a little slippery for a knife handle; but it will look great 20-80 years from now. I kinda hope I am not alive at that fire but instead those in attendance number me among the legendary family cooks through whose hands that cutting board passed.

My father would say "Don't ruin this beautiful job by rushing the final step."

No doubt. I will certainly wet the finished handle with mineral spirits before I decide whether or not to dye the pores. We had eleven inches of snow on the ground already before Thanksgiving, it was warm today, we saw +2F officially; it won't be warm enough for short pants until June. My wedding is scheduled for May 21. Once the sgian is done I'll take on a hand cast plaid brooch and a plain brown leather sporran, in the fullness of time. Maybe a formal polished antler kilt pin if there is time. Maybe even a white fur groom's sporran for the clan side of the family, though I am willing to rent one since I'll only need it once.

PS: Thank you Taygrd as well, I'll get there in a couple weeks I imagine.

EDIT:

I did get the decadent metal filed off tonight, it will be sandpaper and steel wool from here on in at the bolster. Taking a few days off for the holiday.