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Who does not want a comfortable and satisfying grip on their personal knife? Many people choose film formers like polyurethane, lacquers, and varnishes to finish their wooden knife handles, but these finishes often fail and flake off.
So, it is necessary to choose a finish for your wooden handles. This will prevent cracks since the material will not become too dry, and it will also be more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore choosing the best finish for wooden knife handles is absolutely crucial.
We will, therefore, discuss the top seven most ideal finishes for wood knife handles in this article. Additionally, we will discuss some essential factors to consider when selecting the right one and some commonly asked questions which can be used as a reference.
Thirteen Chefs Wooden Knife Handle Oil (CB01)
WALRUS OIL Knife Handle Oil
FurnitureClinic Mineral Oil for Knives
Top 7 Picks for Best Finish for Wooden Knife Handles
Wooden knives are great for cutting vegetables, fruits, and other food items because they can be washed under running water without the fear of drying out.
However, if the wooden handles are not treated with a sealant or finish, they will become dull and faded over time. When choosing the best oil for wood knife handles, you should consider what you plan to use it for.
Below is a list of the top 7 finishes most preferred for wooden handle knife:
01. Thirteen Chefs Wooden Knife Handle Oil (CB01)
The Thirteen Chefs mineral oil is the perfect way to protect your wood knife handles from drying out and cracking. This mineral oil is safe for use on boards, countertops, and butcher blocks.
It is food-grade, meaning it meets all safety standards, and it’s also gluten-free. Not to mention, it’s colorless and tasteless, so you won’t have to worry about it affecting the flavor of your food.
This mineral oil is the perfect way to protect your cutting board and knives. It not only prevents cracking and drying but also magically restores your kitchen appliances.
It comes in a squeeze bottle that has a push-applicator cap, making it easy to use. Apply the oil generously with a rag or by hand, and let it sit for 4 hours.
A single bottle of mineral oil can last for years when used correctly. Thirteen Chefs recommends using a 1oz oil treatment every 3 months to keep your cutting board in good condition.
The Thirteen Chefs wooden knife handle oil (CB01) is a lubricant that can also be used on meat grinders and gears. It even works as a moisturizer for the skin, and can additionally be used on the leather!
Not only does it clean your cutting board, but it also helps to protect your wood knife handles from drying out and cracking. It’s safe to use and bottled in FDA-compliant facilities.
It’s great for marble, soapstone, and other delicate surfaces. Not only does it protect from scratches and nicks, but it also helps to prevent kitchen shears, rust on knives, and garden tools.
Highlighted Features:
- The mineral oil is food grade and gluten-free
- It is colorless and tasteless
- Protects your cutting board and knives from cracking and drying
- It magically restores your kitchen appliances
- This oil has a push-applicator cap and squeeze-bottle design
- It’s great for marble, soapstone, and other delicate surfaces
02. WALRUS OIL Knife Handle Oil
The WALRUS OIL is a great way to keep your knives and boards in top condition. This oil is made from natural ingredients and is safe to use. It conditions the wood and helps prevent it from cracking or splitting.
It is natural, food-safe, and free of synthetics and toxins that are perfect for protecting your knives and boards. Plus, it is made with beeswax, pure mineral oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E, making it a safe and healthy choice for your kitchen.
Walrus Oil is a heavy-duty cutting board & knife handle oil that doesn’t require multiple coats. It’s perfect for new builds or for reconditioning your old cutting board.
The oil is a unique product that will leave your board with a silky smooth finish, rich color, and a little sheen. This oil is perfect for wood knife handles, as it will help protect them from wear and tear while also providing a beautiful appearance.
Using the blend of ingredients locks in the natural color, while repelling water and food particles. This makes it ideal for use in the kitchen, or anywhere else you might need a sharp blade.
The best part about WALRUS OIL Knife Handle Oil is that (it only takes seconds to apply), and it’s 100% food-safe and VOC-free.
This oil is also climate neutral certified, making it a great way to protect your wood knife handles from moisture and wear and tear.
Highlighted Features:
- Made from natural ingredients
- Conditions the wood and prevents it from cracking or splitting
- Locks in natural wood tones
- 100% food-safe and VOC-free
- Climate-neutral certified
03. FurnitureClinic Mineral Oil for Knives
The Furniture Clinic oil is a food-safe mineral oil that is designed to protect, condition, and restore cutting boards, butcher blocks, knife handle, and countertops. This oil is non-toxic and safe to use, and it helps to keep your kitchen surfaces looking new.
It is a food-grade mineral oil that is safe to use on all wooden items. It contains Pure USP mineral oil for safe food contact, which makes it a great choice for protecting and restoring cutting boards, kitchen knife wood handles, butcher blocks, and countertops.
The oil is a great way to keep your knives looking and performing their best. The oil helps to protect the blades from corrosion and rust and keeps them sharp.
It’s also a great way to condition the wood handles, which can help prevent cracking and splitting.
This product was evaluated by the Good Housekeeping Institute and after rigorous testing by their expert scientists and engineers, it has been granted the prestigious Good Housekeeping seal. The oil helps to protect the knives from rusting and keeps them looking new.
It’s odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it ideal for keeping your blades in top condition. It’s also food-grade, meaning it’s safe to use on your knives.
The FurnitureClinic mineral oil for knives is clear and odorless, and it is safe to use on both stainless steel and carbon steel knives. The oil comes in a small bottle with a handy applicator, so it’s easy to use.
Highlighted Features:
- Food safe mineral oil for knives
- Non-toxic and safe to use
- Good Housekeeping seal of approval
- Odorless, tasteless, and colorless
- Food grade mineral oil is safe to use on knives handles
04. ‎Tried and True Wood Knife Handle Oil
The Tried and True Oil is a great way to protect and enhance the look of your wood handles. This Danish oil penetrates the wood, providing a durable finish that will keep your handles looking great for longer.
This superior penetrating raw linseed oil is polymerized for easy and fast application to interior woodwork and furniture without the hassle of dealing with a sticky, thick finish.
Danish Oil is an excellent choice for those who wish to achieve a beautiful, satin finish on their wood knife handles. It’s easy to apply and will protect your wood against moisture and other environmental hazards.
Wooden kitchenware, cutting boards, wood handles, and children’s furniture can be kept in good condition by using this handle oil. It is a food-safe and non-toxic linseed oil that helps to protect the wood from drying out and cracking.
This oil is economical and will cover 1000 sq. ft. per gallon. It’s a good idea to oil your wood knife handles every few months to keep them in good condition.
Wood materials can be treated with this oil finish by applying it to bare wood or by top-coating a stained piece. It is a common choice among woodworking professionals for its durable and long-lasting protection.
Tried and True wood knife handle oil is a unique blend of oil that will darken the wood slightly and can be combined with oil-based pigments to create wood stains. This linseed oil is perfect for finish wood handles, as it provides natural and long-lasting protection against moisture and wear.
Highlighted Features:
- It is a food-safe and non-toxic oil
- Superior penetrating raw linseed oil is polymerized
- Economical and will cover 1000 sq. ft. per gallon
- It can be applied to bare wood materials or over stained wood
- It will give a beautiful, glossy finish
05. John Taylor Knife Handle Finish
The John Taylor conditioner is a blend of mineral oil and natural waxes that conditions and protects knifes wood handles.
This food-grade oil penetrates deep into the wood, restoring its natural material beauty while the waxes form a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture damage.
It is a great product to keep your knives looking and feeling new. The food-grade oil penetrates deep into the wood to prevent it from drying out or cracking, while the beeswax restores the surface to a beautiful glossy finish.
This Finish is an easy-to-use conditioner that buffs out knife cuts and surface scratches, restoring the wood to its original condition. It is perfect for butcher blocks, kitchen counters, knives handles, and other stabilized wood surfaces.
It is a safe and odorless alternative to other wood finishes on the market. It’s perfect for use on food prep surfaces, and it’s safe for children’s toys. This finish is also tasteless, making it a great choice for any application.
The John Taylor knife handle finish is a unique product that provides a rich and shiny finish that is never greasy.
This oil soaks into the wood, providing a long-lasting finish, while the wax seals in the oil and leaves the wood feeling smooth and soft to the touch.
Highlighted Features:
- Restores the natural beauty of wood handles
- Penetrates deep into the wood to prevent it from drying out or cracking
- Waxes form a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture damage
- Leaves wood feeling smooth and soft to the touch
- Safe and odorless safe for children
06. CARON & DOUCET Oil for Knife Handles
Looking for a conditioning and finishing oil that is 100% plant-based and vegan? Look no further than Caron & Doucet oil!
This oil is perfect for conditioning stabilized wood and bamboo, making it easier to clean. It is also mineral oil-free, so you can rest assured that your knives will be in good hands.
This 100% plant-based oil is perfect for keeping your surfaces in top condition, without the use of any harmful chemicals.
Unlike other oils on the market, these products are not made with petroleum chemicals. Plus, it’s easy to apply oil just a few drops will do the trick!
The coconut oil is food grade, meaning it is safe to use on knives. In addition, the oil is enhanced with natural essential oils, which makes it long-lasting and resistant to rancidity.
This oil is designed to penetrate deep into the fibers of the wood, hydrating and conditioning it in order to prolong its life.
By preventing cracking due to water damage or over-drying, this oil can help keep your kitchenware looking beautiful for years to come.
It is made through a solventless refinement process, which removes the long-chain fatty acids. Unlike other kitchen oils, it is solventless refined and does not go rancid or smell bad over time.
This CARON & DOUCET oil for knife handles is made with a proprietary blend of light essential oils, which helps to naturally eliminate any unwanted smells. What’s more, this oil doesn’t transfer onto your food so you can rest assured that your meal will always taste great.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% plant-based and vegan
- Conditions wood and bamboo, making it easier to clean
- Mineral oil-free & won’t smell bad or go rancid with time
- Penetrates deep into the fibers of the wood
- Hydrating and conditioning wood to prolong the life
- Prevents cracking due to water damage or over-drying
- Solventless refinement removes long-chain fatty acids
07. Bamboogle Mineral Oil for Knive
The Bamboogle mineral oil is a safe and easy way to keep your cutting boards in top condition. This oil is applied with a convenient applicator, so there’s no mess. It’s food-grade, so you can be sure it’s safe to use on your cutting boards.
This mineral oil is the perfect way to protect your wooden cutting boards. It is highly refined and thin, which means it absorbs deep into the wood fibers and protects them from moisture and decay.
Its blends with lemon and orange essential oils give a wonderfully fresh scent, but also open the pores of the wood fibers more, allowing for maximum absorption. This means that your knives will be beautifully protected against everyday wear and tear.
This oil is made with natural ingredients and will hydrate, seal and penetrate deeply into the wood to prevent warping, drying cracking, and rotting.
It will help keep the handle lubricated, which will help avoid it from drying out and warping. This oil will also make the handle more moisture-resistant, so it will be less likely to absorb any juices or liquids that may come in contact with it.
The Bamboogle mineral oil for knive is designed to protect and revitalize these items, making them look good as new.
It penetrates the wood fibers, providing extra protection and a refreshed appearance. This can help keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy.
Highlighted Features:
- Mineral oil is food grade and safe
- Easily applied with a convenient applicator
- Blends with lemon and orange essential oils for a fresh scent
- Penetrates deeply into wood to prevent moisture damage and decay
- Lubricates handle to prevent warping and cracking
- Reduces absorption of liquids
These are our top 7 best wood finishes for knives handles. Hopefully, these reviews will assist you in deciding which product is right for you. But before you shope for one of these products, there are some factors you need to consider.
Considerations When Choosing Finish for Wooden Handles
Wood is a natural product and it will change over time. The oils from your hands and the environment will cause the wood to darken or even crack. So, it is important to find a finish that will protect the wood and keep it looking its best.
Choosing the best wood oil finish for wood handles is a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few things to consider when making your decision:
Type of Wood:
Not all types of wood are the same and they will not react to oil finishes in the same way. Walnut, cherry, and mahogany will darken over time when treated with a finish, while maple and oak will stay light.
Type of Oil:
Not all oils are the same. Some are better at protecting the wood than others. Consider the type of oil that is used in the finish and how it will react with the type of wood you are using. Basically, there are different types of oil finishes:
- Danish Oil:
A blend of oil and varnish, Danish oil is easy to apply and gives a satin finish. It is not as strong as most wood finishes and will need to be reapplied every few months.
- Tung Oil:
Tung oil is an all-natural oil that is made from the nuts of the tung tree. It is tough and will last for many years if applied correctly.
- Boiled Linseed Oil:
Boiled linseed oil is a natural oil that is made from the seeds of the flax plant. It is enduring and will last for many years if applied correctly.
- Food Grade Mineral Oil:
Mineral oil is a petroleum-based product that is refined and thin. It is safe to use on food-contact surfaces and will last for many years if applied correctly.
- Walnut Oil:
Walnut oil is a natural product that is made from the nuts of the walnut tree. It is sturdy and will last for many years if applied correctly.
Ease of Use:
Some finishes are easier to apply than others. Consider how easy the finish is to use and how often you will need to reapply it.
Water Effect:
Some finishes will cause the wood to swell when they come into contact with water. Others will not have this effect. Consider how the finish will react with water and whether this is a factor for you.
Food Safety:
Some finishes are safe for food and can be used on kitchen knives. Others are not safe and should not be used on knives. Consider whether the finish you choose is safe to use around food.
Color Effect:
Some finishes will change the wood color, while others will not. Consider whether you want the wood to darken or lighten when you apply the finish.
Drying Time:
Some finishes take a long time to dry, while others dry quickly. Consider how long the finish will take to dry before you apply it.
Coating:
There are different types of coatings used in finishes. Some are more durable than others. Consider the type of very thin coats that are used in the finish and how it will react with the type of wood you are using.
These are some of the things to consider when choosing a finish for wooden knife handles. By considering these factors, you can find the best finish for your needs.
FAQs
Let’s discuss some of the frequently common questions people have about finishes for wooden knife handles:
01. What Oil Should I Use on Wooden Knife Handles?
There are a variety of oils that can be used on wooden knife handles, including Danish oil, tung oil, boiled linseed oil, food-grade mineral oil, olive oil, and walnut oil.
02. How Often Do I Need to Reapply the Finish?
The frequency with which you will need to reapply the finish will depend on the type of oil that is used and the type of wood you are using. Some finishes need to be reapplied every few months, while others can last for many years.
03. What Is The Difference Between a Wood Sealer and a Finish?
A sealer is a product that is used to protect the wood from moisture and other agents that can cause damage. A finish is a product that is used to give the wood a beautiful shine and protect it from wear and tear.
04. Is Mineral Oil Good for Wooden Knife Handles?
Food-grade mineral oil is a safe and reliable option for wooden knife handles. It will not cause the wood to swell when it comes into contact with water and it is safe to use around food.
05. Is Carnauba Wax Good for Knife Handles?
Carnauba wax is a durable and beautiful finish that can be used on wooden knife handles. However, it is not food safe and should not be used on kitchen knives.
Final Words
Finishes are an important part of protecting wooden knife handles from damage. By considering the factors listed above, you can find the best finish for wooden knife handles for your needs.
The oil that you choose will depend on the type of wood you are using, how often you will need to reapply it, and how durable you want the finish to be. There are also a variety of coatings available that will affect the durability and appearance of the finish.
So take your time in choosing the right finish and remember that it is important to test different finishes on scrap pieces of wood before applying them to your knives.
