now the epoxy has cured and I proceed to file the outside of the wood flush to the tang.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/001_zps175bde5b.jpg)
here we are flush all the way around.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/002_zps3700d2e3.jpg)
next we profile the sides of the wood close to our desired handle shape using files and rasps.
here the handle is shaped close to my liking.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/004_zpsc0038d2b.jpg)
now its time to start sanding the handle using the hickory slat and various grits of paper.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/005_zps254cb573.jpg)
after sanding to a 150 or 220 grit I like to burnish the wood with a piece of brown paper bag.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/006_zpsf415fd11.jpg)
now its time for some finish.
I like Danish oil.
apply following the directions on the can.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/008_zps07d3cbe4.jpg)
after the Danish oil has dried I follow it up with 4-6 very light coats of tru-oil.
again following the directions on the bottle.
after the tru oil has dried I follow up with a couple coats of gunstock wax.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/009_zpsdcb958ec.jpg)
now its time to take off the tape and remove the residue.
after a little clean up we have a finished knife ready for leather.
![](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/oxbowsteelheader/011_zpsfe45f283.jpg)
that's about it folks!
I hope this encourages some of you to try this on your own.
Kevin