Why isn't vegetable oil preferable to mineral oil?

Question

I mean for treating wooden-handled implements such as knives, guns,etc.?

Thanks for clearing that up for me Treadsto and Feyanni. I wish You could each get a high-five (5). But I guess Y!A isn't set-up for that.

Thanks for clearing that up for me Treadsto and Feyanni. I wish You could each get a high-five (5). But I guess Y!A isn't set-up for that.

So I'll let the Team select.

Answer 1

No, vegetable is necessarily not preferable to mineral oil for treating wooden handled implements because it can go rancid.
Mineral oil is used because it doesn't spoil.

Answer 2

Mineral oil is derived from the earth by oil refineries, therefore, there are trace metals in the oil which helps to lubricate metals and wood surfaces.

Vegetable oil is derived from plants and has some silicone and glucose in it, that is what makes it tacky. It will work in a pinch, but it will eventually build up on the surface and will need to be removed entirely.