Epoxy

I wouldn't.

?Isnt that what

It contains no UV inhibitors so if exposed to sunlight, it fades.

Don't know if poly is a choice.

I'd be tempted to make the handles from a filled plastic and not worry about a finish.

It certainly be more sanitary if this is a food application.

HTH

You ought to google up that information. I checked out a few knife sites and they are really particular about the handles. They immerse the wood in solution and sometimes put it under pressure or in a vacuum to impregnate the wood. You might get some good ideas.

Poon might be good for a knife handle:

WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]

poon n 1: wood of any poon tree; used for masts and spars 2: any of several East Indian trees of the genus Calophyllum having shiny leathery leaves and lightweight hard wood

On Sun, 22 Feb 2004 02:04:12 -0500, Silvan brought forth from the murky depths:

Everyone knows that Poon tangs are too expensive.

----------------------------------------- Jack Kevorkian for Congressional physician!