Cork handle question

[crappie josh]

Has anybody ever tried rubbing mink oil on a cork handle? Is it a good idea or is it not. I was putting mink oil on my boots and I just bought a new fishing rod and I didn't know if mink oil on a cork handle would and preserve it make it last longer or would it damage it so I figured I would ask before I grab the mink oil on my new fishing rod?

[deathb4disco]

Not necessary, IMO. I currently own two 30-year old fly rods and several over forty years old. The cork looks just fine, and I've never done anything to it.

If they get dirty, plain soap and water will clean 'em.

[short grub]

someone once told me to use armor all. I've yet to test it

[Bob/MN]

I coat all my cork handles with a cork sealer called U-40. On an older handle clean with soap and water or sand with lite sandpaper. Fill any holes that have developed and coat with U-40.

[wicklundrh]

X2 on the U-40. I build rods and Bob hit the nail on the head. Soap, water and 400 grit. On a new rod just add the U-40 cork seal.

[justinp61]

I've never worn out a cork handle, most of my rods have them.

[Crestliner08]

I concur with the U-40. A great cork sealer. Prep any older cork with a good rubbing of Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Then coat with the U-40. It's simply amazing how clean this keeps your cork. Available on Netcraft.

[skeetbum]

Never used oil but I have tried spraying urethane on one. Worked OK but it wasn't new and smooth either. I only ever did the one, would have been slick if it wasn't rough with small pits where the cork had aged and fallen out. They stay clean and I didn't put a lot on it.

[strmwalker]

I concur with the U-40. A great cork sealer. Prep any older cork with a good rubbing of Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Then coat with the U-40. It's simply amazing how clean this keeps your cork. Available on Netcraft.

X- 10 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will get the handle looking like new then seal it with the U-40 cork sealer !!!!

[Fatman]

Plain soap and water to clean it up. Never used anything else.