Removing Tru-Oil finish from metal

[levernut]

On full tang knives, how do you remove the Tru-Oil from the finger guard/bolster and tang without removing the gloss finish of the Tru-Oil on the scales? My only solution is to use 0000 steel wool on the entire handle, apply some wax and then buff with pink scratchless compound. I get a semi-gloss but it's not the deep luster like the original Tru-Oil finish. I've tried taping off the wood and then use steel wool on the metal but I end up hitting some of the wood anyway. Any suggestions?

 

[Jason Wilder]

I give it a good rub with alcohol and it seems to loosen it up a bit, but then I have to scrape it off with a chisil made from a rod of brass. Soft brass shouldn't scratch the harder steel and it is my main go to tool for cleaning epoxy and oil off a finished blade

 

[Sampson knifeworks]

Here is another way of dealing with oil finishes, try wiping on the oil and let it start to get tacky. Then briskly wipe off and hand buff with a soft cloth. Let it dry per instructions. You can do this several times for a "wet look" and great luster, no sanding or steel wool required. Or lightly hand buff with the gray 600 grit 3M polishing paper to achieve a nice satin finish! I have used this method for many years with the tru-oil or my favorite Formby's tung oil finish. It goes against there instructions but it works if you do not want the surface buildup that requires sanding. Buffing is a dirty word in my shop !! LOL.
Sincerely,
Clint Sampson