How do you finish your vintage chisel handles?

Looks good to me.
I used BLO, Poly, oil, shellac…...
You could stain them like any other woodworking projects.
I try to put finish on when the turning is still on the lathe.

I think it is more on the color of the wood and the age.
I want to able touch up on the finish when necessary. Of course I have a trouble tracking what finish I used on what handle. : )

I am interested in know if there is a preference on finish when leather washers are used. I always seems to get on the leather, so I just cover all leather with the finish. I am not sure if that is a good think or not. It seems that the original handles with washer are also coated with some kind of coating.

-- I'll be a woodworker when I grow up. HHHOPKS

The old timers just used sheep fat. That will get the very dark. Any good finish oil will do. On my chisels I just airbrush a few light coats of shellac. You can continue to oil them afterwards as much as you want. Keep in mind Shellac will mingle with most any oil before and after. Poly somewhat. A film finish may not be what you want. Oil is very easy to reapply. Oils will darken but only to the color of the oil.

-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com

BLO and leave ‘em to age. Don’t rush classics. My thoughts.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

if i want to darken a tool handle I use walnut Danish oil. Don’t be afraid to let them soak over night in either oil.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)