Knife Handle Supply True-Hardening Wax

Our True-Hardening Wax was developed for applications where we wanted more than the protection offered by a conventional non drying oil and wax blend.

What makes this formula different is its use of a specially selected high linoleic walnut oil that penetrates porous materials and gradually cures through oxidation.  Rather than remaining indefinitely as a liquid oil, the walnut oil polymerizes and hardens over time.

We combine this specialized drying oil with U.S. sourced beeswax, carnauba wax, and genuine shellac wax to create a finish that combines the benefits of a penetrating oil with the surface protection of natural waxes.

True-Hardening Wax requires a little more effort and patience than our Non-Hardening Wax, but offers the potential for a more durable, longer lasting finish.  It's particularly well suited to natural woods, Micarta, and other porous materials.

Like our Non-Hardening Wax, every batch is made in house using carefully selected, high quality ingredients.

Available Sizes & Bulk Pricing

Our True-Hardening Wax is available in two sizes, with substantial discounts for knifemakers, retailers, and larger orders.

2 oz Full Size Tins

Our full size tins are ideal for regular use, professional shops, and retailers looking to offer our wax to their customers.

0.5 oz Maker Tins

Perfect for knifemakers who want to include a quality finishing wax with their completed knives.  These smaller tins are also great for customer samples, giveaways, or keeping on hand for smaller projects.

Every tin contains the exact same formula we make and use here at Knife Handle Supply. Larger quantities are available upon request.

What's In It, and Why?

We've carefully selected each ingredient for its contribution to the finished product, with particular emphasis on the penetrating and curing properties of our walnut oil.

High Linoleic Walnut Oil

This is the heart of our True-Hardening formula, and what makes it different from conventional maintenance waxes.

We use a specialty walnut oil sourced from California and selected specifically for its drying characteristics, not ordinary culinary walnut oil.  Its naturally high linoleic acid content allows the oil to penetrate porous materials and gradually polymerize through oxidation, forming a cured finish within the material.

Our walnut oil is heat treated by its manufacturer to remove proteins associated with walnut allergies.  Because it is derived from walnuts, individuals with walnut allergies should exercise appropriate caution.

U.S. Sourced White Beeswax

Produced from U.S. honey cappings and triple filtered.  Beeswax provides the primary body of our wax blend and contributes a natural protective surface finish.

Carnauba Wax

One of the hardest naturally occurring waxes.  Carnauba helps modify the hardness and polishing characteristics of the finished wax.

Genuine Shellac Wax

Not shellac finish or shellac resin!  Shellac wax is a naturally occurring hard wax separated from raw lac during processing.  Ours originates in India and is further refined through molten filtration in the U.S.

Traditionally blended with beeswax to increase hardness, shellac wax complements the carnauba and beeswax in our formulation.

Organic Lemon Rind Oil

Added in a very small amount for a pleasant, subtle citrus scent.

Vitamin E

Included in a small amount as part of our oil blend.

Directions for Use

Carefully warm the material using a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting.  The material should be warm, not hot.

Apply a very small amount of True-Hardening Wax with your finger or a soft cloth and work it thoroughly into the surface.  A little goes a VERY long way!

Allow the material to cool and the wax to set for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove all excess wax with a clean, soft cloth and buff to the desired finish.

The walnut oil will continue to oxidize and polymerize after application.  Although the surface can generally be handled after buffing, the finish may continue curing for approximately two weeks, depending on the material, application thickness, and environmental conditions.

Why True-Hardening?

Many traditional wax finishes become firm as their waxes cool, but contain oils that remain liquid indefinitely.

Our True-Hardening Wax is different.

The walnut oil in our formula is a drying oil.  After application, exposure to oxygen causes the oil to gradually polymerize and harden.

This allows us to combine the advantages of a penetrating, curing oil finish with the protective qualities of beeswax, carnauba, and genuine shellac wax.

For routine maintenance, mixed material handles, or applications where a curing finish isn't necessary, we recommend our Non-Hardening Wax.

Made in house in small batches by Knife Handle Supply.