A couple of years back I found this recipe for a great human and environment safe finish that is super easy to make and apply and will not go rancid on you.  Below is the recipe:

Very easy to make.  

Word of caution you will be working with 170 degree F mineral oil so care for burns and that you do not get it too warm as it might flash if you are heating it on a gas stove.  

 

The ingredients are simple -

a 1 pint bottle of mineral oil - can get this at the grocery store,

2 cups of shaved beeswax. The amount of shaved beeswax is user preference the more you add the more solid the finish will be after it cools.

a sauce pan to heat the oil in and

a thermometer to monitor the temp of the oil.

and a container to hold it as it cools. 

Heat the oil to 170 degrees but stay on the cooler side if possible to avoid flashing any oil vapors produced.  Once the oil is at 170 add the beeswax and stir until completely melted into the mineral oil.  

You will need a container to hold this hot mixture.  I went to the dollar store a bought a dishwasher safe plastic rice cooker as it had a lid and poured the mixture in to cool.  

Depending upon your preference the mixture can be like a light petroleum jelly or it can be like a johnson's paste wax it all depends upon how much beeswax you add.  

This mixture will not turn rancid so it can be left at room temperature. 

You can apply it much like you would any hand rub finish,  It gives a gentle feel and does not overly change the color of the wood.  Plus it is both environmentally and human safe.  Apply it without gloves and your hand become softer.

 

 

Edited January 26, 201610 yr by David Sudekum
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Thanks Dave!! Appreciate it much!

we use this on our cutting boards and knife handles. In my opinion it is great for food prep surfaces but not very durable as it is very soft.

Another use is for polishing your furniture and woodwork.