bslsam,

First a light sanding and then wipe the wooden handles down with a 50/50 combo. of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner.

It works for me, rredogg

p.s. the mix is also good for cleaning up lightly rusted metal

The best and easiest finish I use for almost all wood finishes is Tru-Oil gunstock finish. About $6. It's a little 3 ounce bottle and you can just rub it on with your fingers. It goes a long way. A 3 ounce bottle would refinish a lot of handles. It provides a lasting beautiful finish. It's a real finish not just an oil treatment. It's even available in Wal-Mart's sporting goods dept. or other places too. Follow the linkto the Tru-Oil gunstock "finish" not the "wax".

Here is a link that might be useful: Tru-Oil Gunstock Finish

Tung oil!

Linseed oil darkens with age, tung oil is non yellowing. Tung oil has been used for thousands of years for marine wood, guitars, wooden kitchen bowls / utensils, and cutting boards. Recently used as the secret ingredient of stone masons for fine granite or marble counter tops, for that wet look. Cheap too!