what kind of finish

[phillywood]

I recently acquired some sorby gouges and their finishes on the handles are rubbed off. i also wanted to make some tool handles for the ones that are broken. The question is what type of finish yo folks use that preserves the tool handles and if I make new ones what should I put on them so they would stand the finger oils and all the things that go along with touching them.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this thread.

 

[mrcook4570]

The tool handles that I make for myself do not get a finish. The dirt and oils from my hands are the least of my worries. Drops of CA always seem to find their way to the handles, which then roll around in a pile of shavings.

That said, polyurethane makes a nice finish for handles.

 

[ThomJ]

I use spray poly on my handles

 

[bradh]

I just give the wood handles a wipe down with BLO. The oil soaks into the wood and dries after a few days.
By sealing the wood, the wood will not fluctuate as much in moisture content. Moisture fluctuations can cause changes in fit and shape. The humidity cycle is very bad here in the great lakes region.