Oily Wood Spokeshave Restoration Question

[Wilsoncb]

I’m try to restore an old wood spokeshave. Like most of these old tools it’s been in a musty old basement for years. The wood seems pretty soft and it looks like it was used by a mechanic with greasy hands. I tried some citrus degreaser and rubbing alcohol. Let it dry and lightly sanded with some 180. The wood still feels like there is still some oil/grease imbedded in it.

Anyone have a secret formula?

 

[creasman]

I sometimes use Murphy's Oil Soap on old hand planes.

 

[Wiley's Woodworks]

Dawn Plus is new on the market and seems to be the best combo of grease remover and gentle to the wood. Krud Kutter is the strongest grease remover, just go over the wood with 320 grit until it feels smooth. Scrub both in with a toothbrush.