Artificially Aging Stag Handles?

[MadTrapper]

I've seen a lot written about blade patina but I'm wondering if it's possible to artificially age stag handles to that warm golden-yellow that is so often present on old stag handled knives?

 

[mitch4ging]

Hey Madtrapper! You might also post this question in the custom knifemaker's section.
I've heard of a couple of ways for bone and antler. One is with potassium permanganate. Orhers use leather dye. Some make their own dye by boiling oak leaves or walnut shells to make a dye. This will require testing on your material to see if you get the color you want. Still others may use tea bags socked in hot water. Ymmv. Hope you find one that works...

Mitch

 

[MadTrapper]

Interesting... Thanks for the info mitch4ging.

 

[gadgetgeek]

For other material aging advice, I'd search the replica prop forum. Those folks do all manner of stuff, and you may find that different methods work for different goals. I would think you would want something that would fade over time, as the antler took on color naturally, rather than something that might darken or change color over time. I'm sure the info is out there.

 

[Mikael W]

Potassium Permanganate is what has been used mostly, but it can perhaps be difficult to get the right impression on an already made handle.

For already finished handles, I prefer boiled linseed oil every now and then.
After a while the color of the stag starts showing, when the oil has soaked in.


Regards
Mikael

 

[MadTrapper]

Potassium Permanganate is what has been used mostly, but it can perhaps be difficult to get the right impression on an already made handle.

For already finished handles, I prefer boiled linseed oil every now and then.
After a while the color of the stag starts showing, when the oil has soaked in.


Regards
Mikael

I hadn't considered boiled linseed oil. I may give that one a try. Thank you!

 

[ssgwhite]

My dad has used wood stain with pretty good results.

 

[willis]

Coca Cola works.Both were the same and coke turned the stag honey colored on the mod 26

 

[MadTrapper]

All good to know. Thanks guys.

 

[MWILD67]

I use Ballistol wipes to condition & give stag handles a nice antique patina. It takes a few treatments over a few weeks, and it helps to handle the knife regularly. I just picked up a Case XX red stag small toothpick a week and a half ago and the Ballistol has already brought out the reddish areas and made the white areas more of a light golden brown.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

One thing NOT to do is use a torch or flame to darken stag.
When done, it's very obvious and looks amateurish.