cleaning and re-sealing leather stack handle

[Mark in PA]

I'm working on a leather stack handle from a Schrade 148 knife that I'm trying to clean up. I would say that the handle is in good condition other than I think it is just dirty. Probably years of deer guts and blood on it mixed with some hand sweat. Anyhow, I'm trying not to get too aggressive with it. I tried a magic eraser on it witch already changed the color from a complete black to allowing some of the browns to come through. I may try some more rounds with the magic eraser to see if I can get it to where I like and maybe try some steel wool if I can't get it to where I like it. My question is what do I do after I get it cleaned up. I have ideas of maybe using leather dye if needed and I've read melting some beeswax into it to seal it back up. I'm really not sure what to use if anything to seal it to try and prevent it from becoming dirty and stained again. At the same time, I don't want it to become so waxed down that it becomes slippery in the hand.

[Bill DeShivs]

Leather handles should be worked in the same direction, whether sanding, filing, grinding or polishing.
This keeps the leather grain compacted.
Once you are finished, a simple coat of paste wax or neutral shoe polish should be all it needs.

[XX Case XX]

Never thought I'd see the day that Einstein was playing a Rickenbacker...

__________
Mike