Opinel clean up

[Pootle]

As the title suggests, Not really a mod, more of a clean up. But I took the varnish off my old no. 8 and oiled it up. Mainly because I find varnish quite uncomfortable on handles with prolonged use.
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I didn't take a before shot, but you all know what an Opinel looks like, and you can guage the improvement by the state of the blade!
Got me thinking though, why put varnish on a handle? Does anyone else find it uncomfortable or have I just gone soft since moving into town?

[Valantine]

I agree about varnished wood and looks a nice oiled finish there.
What oil did you use ?

[FishyFolk]

What to do when these get stuck...they tend to do that when not in use for a while....

[Blood]

Ha, strange this pops up. I moded mine last night. Sanded off the varnish and logo and reshape do the butt end to make it sit nicer in the palm.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/13/uqu8avyv.jpg

[Pootle]

I agree about varnished wood and looks a nice oiled finish there.
What oil did you use ?

I used walnut oil. Just 'cause I had some in the kitchen cupboard, so it was sort of free. Smells nice though.

[Pootle]

What to do when these get stuck...they tend to do that when not in use for a while....

This one never goes more than a week without some use. I've got a no. 10 in my tool box that is never used. I've unstuck it a few times with brute force, pliers and oil, only for it to sit in the box and get stuck again.

[OakAshandThorn]

Most people who are serious about their tools don't like varnish or shellac...because when your hands sweat, they stick to the coating, and you end up with horribly sore blisters. Also, the varnish tends to cause shrinkage problems down the road because it seals-off moisture in the wood, especially with axe helves. Bare wood with a light coat of oil applied every now and then is the tried-and-tested method. ;)

[mr.punch]

Heres the mod I did to mine, buffalo horn handle.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w194/jacketch/null_zps93697c15.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w194/jacketch/null_zpsbdaad7b1.jpg

[OakAshandThorn]

Wow - that looks slick! :)

[Blood]

Very snazzy! How did you carve out the slot for the blade to slot in?

[fish]

very nice.

[Valantine]

Love that buffalo horn handle :happy-clapping:

[Midge_Fodder]

I worn the varnish off mine lol, oiling it was natural. I do love that buffalo horn handle, I wonder how rams horn would look.

[Blood]

In box is full shug

[Midge_Fodder]

Ahhhh cheers bud lol

[Midge_Fodder]

Sorted

[Pootle]

That buffalo horn handle looks great. ��