DIY knife question

[Fattony77]

I bought a Helle knife DIY kit a while back and have a couple of questions on finishing the handle.

First, I'd like to put a small design on the handle and don't have/can't afford wood burning supplies. Could I just use an ink pen or sharpie?

Second, how would I go about sealing it/putting on a final finish?

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks, Tony

[ChuckC]

Some thoughts.  

1) Sharpie and other ink or paint applications would work but CAN run or spread in the fibrous wood, depending upon the type and porousness.

2) once you have applied the Sharpie, a cover coat of some sealant MIGHT contain a solvent that smears or ruins the picture you just drew, especially if you rub it in.

You need to test it out first. I am thinking..

Also, consider a type of scrimshaw application on the handle ?

Good luck

ChuckC

[Fattony77]

Thanks Mods for moving this for me. I should've posted here to begin with.    

Thanks to the 2 Chucks that replied! Any advice on what to use for the initial coat to prevent the bleeding of the ink?

Is there a spray on that I could use (like clear Krylon) or something like that?

Again, any and all help is GREATLY appreciated!

[D.Ellis]

If you have a small propane torch and a bent wire or thin nail you could do some wood burning anyway.......just a thought. I am not sure I'd use sharpie on a knife handle. Actually, I'm sure I wouldn't.......but that's just me. Best of luck.
Darcy  

[gables]

I used to build fly rods and would often imbed a small fly in the handle. I would carve out a small oval shape in the cork, lay the fly in the hole and fill the hole with a clear epoxy. Perhaps you could do your design on paper or a small piece of metal, drop it into the hole and then overfill with epoxy. A forstener bit would make the cleanest round depression. I would drill the hole while the block is still square. Laser engraving may be an option as well.

[Bladepeek]

I would suggest using a scrap of the same kind of wood and try what you think might work. Spray on a likely overcoat and see how it works out. Other than wasting a few minutes of your time and the cost of a can of clear spray finish, how can you go wrong.

I've used several coats of super glue, sanding the final coat with very fine sand paper (600?) and then polishing with 2000 grit or rottenstone for a real gloss. Pumice will get you a more matt finish. Don't know how it would affect the ink design, though.

[2treks]

Tony, This morning I worked on a project that I am using tru-oil on. I had 3-4 base coats that I applied with a paper towel and buffed with 0000steelwool in between.
I then did some writing with my pigment liner pen(staples has them) and let it dry. I then very carefully  wiped on the next coat of tru-oil.
Nothing smeared. I then applied a couple more coats before the previous coat had dried.

Bladepeeks method works well also.

Some options for you to ponder

[Fattony77]

Thanks guys! These are all great ideas, the first one I think I'll try, is to find a sample piece of like wood & start practicing! I've got less than a week, if I'm gonna be able to take it with me bear huntin! I gotta go get to work! Thanks again, all. I'll try to get pics up of the aftermath....