I've got myself a nice block of Koa from Woodcraft and am planning to use it on 2 Sendero type blades I'm currently working on.  They're both hidden tang knives and this is the first time I'll be working with Koa.  I recently used Lacewood (I saw it on some other knives and really liked it) but ran into some trouble with it splintering a bunch.  I've since decided not to use it again unless I get it stabilized.

Any problems with Koa?  Also, what finish do you use to bring out the chatoyance (spelling?)?  I currently use a Danish oil finish-would that be a good one?  Someone also mentioned to me that they heard the deep, 3D kind of effect can be altered or less noticeable depending on the flatness vs roundness of the finished handle.  Anyone have thoughts or experience on that?

Thanks for the help.


Jeremy

I've never had a problem with koa. I use Danish oil myself unless the wood is stabilized.

KOA is a great wood....danish oil,,Casey gunstock oil, teak oil, tung oil,,some like lemon oil.

Thanks guys-I appreciate the input.  I'm really wanting the next handles I do to come out well.

Jeremy