A simple color change to stag
A simple color change to stag
I decided to try a little dye experiment to better match the color of the stag scales on this knife. The scales on the pile side came with a nice reddish brown color to them but the mark side was pretty washed out looking and not a great match.
I wiped the mark side stag with some alcohol, warmed it a bit with a heat gun and applied some leather dye with an artist brush. I then lightly heated the stag again to dry the dye. I allowed it all to cool and then applied wax as I do on all my antler, bone and wood handled knives. I think the warming of the stag prior to applying the dye allows it to penetrate a bit better and therefore make it less likely to transfer off when handled. Even prior to applying the wax I rubbed it vigorously with my thumb and no dye came off. Here's a look at the results, pretty decent match IMO.
I wiped the mark side stag with some alcohol, warmed it a bit with a heat gun and applied some leather dye with an artist brush. I then lightly heated the stag again to dry the dye. I allowed it all to cool and then applied wax as I do on all my antler, bone and wood handled knives. I think the warming of the stag prior to applying the dye allows it to penetrate a bit better and therefore make it less likely to transfer off when handled. Even prior to applying the wax I rubbed it vigorously with my thumb and no dye came off. Here's a look at the results, pretty decent match IMO.
Greg
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Re: A simple color change to stag
Lovely job!
It looks like a perfect match to me.
It looks like a perfect match to me.
Ken Mc.
WTB Kershaw 2120 MACHO Lockback Parts knife
I need a pile side scale. THX!
WTB Kershaw 2120 MACHO Lockback Parts knife
I need a pile side scale. THX!
Re: A simple color change to stag
Great job! If you hadn't said you dyed it, I would've thought the color was natural.
Dave
Always looking for vintage knives with Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. tang stamps. Any condition.
Always looking for vintage knives with Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. tang stamps. Any condition.
- Quick Steel
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Re: A simple color change to stag
An impressive result sunknife. Congrats!
Re: A simple color change to stag
Thanks fellas.
I've used this dye many times before on bone, antler, wood and leather craft projects with good results. Just never tried it on knives until now.
I've used this dye many times before on bone, antler, wood and leather craft projects with good results. Just never tried it on knives until now.
Greg
Re: A simple color change to stag
Very NICE!!! Well done!! John
Not all who wander are lost!!
Of all the paths you take in life,
Make sure some of them are Dirt!!!
Of all the paths you take in life,
Make sure some of them are Dirt!!!
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Re: A simple color change to stag
I like it
Take care and God bless,
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Re: A simple color change to stag
Very nice job. Great improvement.
Bob
Bob