Cleaning ingrained grime from knife handles.Need help.

[cudgee]

Need help, there was a post a while ago about using a steam iron to remove ingrained oil and grime from wood knife scales. I cannot find it, any help would be much appreciated in locating this thread. Also, would love to hear anyone else's idea's or tips on cleaning up knife scales.Have a good weekend everyone, take care and stay safe.

[Doc B]

I have enough knives...that I've found a ultrasonic cleaner is invaluable. They start pretty reasonable, for small jewelry sized ones. I got a bit bigger one...but, not only will they shake the stuff off the handles...they get the grit and grime out of the well and joints.

[Suredan]

Hey Doc. What kind of cleaning fluid do you use?

[Doc B]

Hey Doc. What kind of cleaning fluid do you use?

I usually just use a little dishwashing soap, with water. I know they make certain cleaner solutions...but; I got a bit larger unit, with enough power, that is does the job well, with that. Don't know if results would vary, with a smaller unit. I'd try it first. The price is right.

[hardman]

I have not used a steam iron, but I have used a hand held steam cleaner. Set up takes a while, but it does a really nice job. I used it on some Curly Maple scales and was quite impressed.

[cudgee]

I have not used a steam iron, but I have used a hand held steam cleaner. Set up takes a while, but it does a really nice job. I used it on some Curly Maple scales and was quite impressed.

Thanks, how did you do it, just a brief description will do.

[dlr110]

cudgee, I don't know if you can get it, but I use Murphy Oil Soap on most handles except wood of course. For me it cleans bone, Delrin, or celluloid real good. You can use a cotton patch, cloth or for real grime use a soft toothbrush.

[cudgee]

cudgee, I don't know if you can get it, but I use Murphy Oil Soap on most handles except wood of course. For me it cleans bone, Delrin, or celluloid real good. You can use a cotton patch, cloth or for real grime use a soft toothbrush.

Thanks, but it is wood i am trying to clean up. I have a couple of knives that the wood has darkened with use, and i saw a post on the forum on how to do it, but i cannot remember where i saw it. But thanks anyway, and you have a good weekend my friend.

[dlr110]

Here is where some of us talked about cleaning including wood handles. From about June 27 and later are some good tips.
Just trying to help you, hope this is what you're looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66760&start=15

[cudgee]

Here is where some of us talked about cleaning including wood handles. From about June 27 and later are some good tips.
Just trying to help you, hope this is what you're looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66760&start=15

That is it, thanks for your help, i could not find it anywhere.

[rea1eye]

When I get a used knife I always use 70% rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth
and rub, I do not soak it. Grease and grime will continue to be removed with each rub. The
scales can look a bit dry afterwards so in the final step process of cleaning
I apply several rounds of mineral oil (overnight is best). If wood handles ,I use
I use one of my wife’s furniture polish/waxes.

Rubbing alcohol is good for cleaning blades and the wells of knife too.

Bob

[cudgee]

When I get a used knife I always use 70% rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth
and rub, I do not soak it. Grease and grime will continue to be removed with each rub. The
scales can look a bit dry afterwards so in the final step process of cleaning
I apply several rounds of mineral oil (overnight is best). If wood handles ,I use
I use one of my wife’s furniture polish/waxes.

Rubbing alcohol is good for cleaning blades and the wells of knife too.

Bob

[hardman]

I have not used a steam iron, but I have used a hand held steam cleaner. Set up takes a while, but it does a really nice job. I used it on some Curly Maple scales and was quite impressed.

Thanks, how did you do it, just a brief description will do.

The steam cleaner I use has an on board water reservoir which must be filled. After plugging the unit in and turning it on, you wait for the light on the pressure wand to illuminate as that indicates you have sufficient steam pressure. Then, you carefully hold the knife, but be sure to wear gloves.
That steam is very hot and can easily burn an unprotected hand. Simply press the button on the wand and run it quickly back and forth across the scales. The process removes grime and even any stains in the wood near the bolsters from using a bolster polish. The beauty of the medium pressure steam is that you get effective cleaning without super saturating the wood. You will find the scales will be dry to the touch within a few short minutes. Then, in my case, I just used Ren Wax on the scales to impart a finish and afford some level of protection.

[cudgee]

I have not used a steam iron, but I have used a hand held steam cleaner. Set up takes a while, but it does a really nice job. I used it on some Curly Maple scales and was quite impressed.

Thanks, how did you do it, just a brief description will do.

The steam cleaner I use has an on board water reservoir which must be filled. After plugging the unit in and turning it on, you wait for the light on the pressure wand to illuminate as that indicates you have sufficient steam pressure. Then, you carefully hold the knife, but be sure to wear gloves.
That steam is very hot and can easily burn an unprotected hand. Simply press the button on the wand and run it quickly back and forth across the scales. The process removes grime and even any stains in the wood near the bolsters from using a bolster polish. The beauty of the medium pressure steam is that you get effective cleaning without super saturating the wood. You will find the scales will be dry to the touch within a few short minutes. Then, in my case, I just used Ren Wax on the scales to impart a finish and afford some level of protection.

Thank you for that. You have a good week, and look after yourself.