Handle and tote refinish

It’s really a personal preference. I refinish all the handles of all the planes I restore. Some people like the patina look with aged handles and others, like myself, go for a highly polished looked that has the plane looking almost brand new.

For a finish that can emulate a well used tool or the fine polish of a new tool, I use Minwax Antique oil. I just keep adding coats and sand (400 grit or higher) until I get the level of luster I’m going for. If a high shine is desired, after the last coat, I polish with a soft cotton rag using Behlens polish. I let each coat cure for at least 8 hours before following with another. I often use wax free shellac or sanding sealer before the first coat of antique oil. Time consuming…yes. But the results frequently get “oh wow” comments from the recipients.
I use this method on many things… Turned items, furniture, and yes, tool restoration.
Regards, The Kentucky Toolsmith!

-- "Good enough" is just another way of saying "it could be better"...

For a finish that can emulate a well used tool or the fine polish of a new tool, I use Minwax Antique oil. I just keep adding coats and sand (400 grit or higher) until I get the level of luster I m going for. If a high shine is desired, after the last coat, I polish with a soft cotton rag using Behlens polish. I let each coat cure for at least 8 hours before following with another. I often use wax free shellac or sanding sealer before the first coat of antique oil. Time consuming…yes. But the results frequently get “oh wow” comments from the recipients.
I use this method on many things… Turned items, furniture, and yes, tool restoration.
Regards, The Kentucky Toolsmith!

- KYtoolsmith

I’ve seen the non polished version of this finish my self. It looks fantastic and is kind of hard to describe how it feels in the hands. Its almost velvety feeling. It definitely has that antique yet very well maintained look and feel to it.