What to use to refinish an old saw handle?

[SteveMP]

Got this saw cheap at an antique shop. I cleaned up all the gunk on the blade. The handle had 2 broken horns (i think thats what they are called?), it was also a closed handle, which was too small for my hands, and even with 3 fingers my ribg finger hit the loop part. So i sawed it into an open handle and kind of reshaped the stubby horn, and rasped off the lower horn part altogether. It finally a comfortable shape for my hands. But in doing so, i basically sanded all the finish off. Unfortunately losing the beautiful old apple wood look. But oh well, its usable now. I plan on finishing the sanding up to make it uniform. But what should I finish it with? What was used originally? I don’t like the feel of plastic/built up finishes, but i do like the feel of the original old vintage saw handles. Sand to what grit? 320? 400? Shellac? Tung oil?

 

[AndyT]

I'd use boiled linseed oil. Simple, cheap, traditional. Easily renewed if needed.
Just wipe a little on with a rag or paper towel, wait a few minutes, wipe off the surplus.

 

[AndyT]

Quoting myself (from my recent bookcase build) but this is a before and after restored saw, with BLO used on the handle:

 

[SteveMP]

Quoting myself (from my recent bookcase build) but this is a before and after restored saw, with BLO used on the handle:

Thats a beautiful saw! Love the brass back that still has some patina on it. The only BLO i have currently is some i made on the BBQ, but I mixed with beeswax while cooling. I guess that should work?

 

[duke]

Or just a paste wax.