[Noxx]

I recently picked up a Type 14 Nambu, circa 1934. It's not in bad shape, just smothered in cosmo (it's soaking in the hoppes as we speak) but the grips are pretty ratty looking. They're extremely dried out and dark, but not cracked, and I'd like to save them if I can. Can anyone recommend a good product for restoring wooden grips that won't harm them?

[glassman]

I would refinish it like any other piece of wood. A strong solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) if they are really grungey, rinse and let dry. Do a little light sanding with fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the raised grain left by the previous step. You could then stain them or leave them natural. I would then use a penetrating finish such as boiled linseed oil or tongue oil applied in several light coats with a light sanding in between coats. Use a tack cloth to remove the dust after each sanding. Most important...don't rush it. Take your time and make sure each coat of finish is totally set before applying the next coat. Good luck with it and post some pics when your done. :)

[Riss]

Getting the wood to soak up the Linseed or Tung oil will help stabilize it and harden the entire structure. I have heard of putting wood into a vacuum chamber also with the oil and letting it get pulled into the wood when the air is let back into the chamber. As long as you are trying to preserve it and not just restore it you should be fine. Even dunking the entire piece into a pan of linseed will help it soak in. Just be sure to let it drip dry and keep any runs from developing on the exterior of the finish. And then let it dry. May take a good week or two. Especially if alot soaks in or if you build up multiple coats. Humidity will also slow down the process.

[glassman]

If you use linseed oil, make sure it is BOILED linseed oil. The regular stuff will never dry.