Best way to darken the Micarta Scales on a Sebenza?

Glock Guy

Glock Guy

Joined
Jul 28, 2012
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The Sebenza 21 Micarta Insingo is going to be my next knife for sure. In looking over some pictures (actually *obsessing* over pics is probably more correct) I really like the look of the aged Micarta that is almost black.

I've done some research on aging the Micarta, and I've heard people using everything from Vaseline, to mineral oil, to black shoe polish works on darkening them.


For those of you that have actually done this to a Seb, can you share:


1.) What you did

2.) How it worked and

3.) How did the Micarta feel afterwards (ie: was it still grippy, or is it now slick?)


Thanks in advance for the info!
 
I've just used mine. I turn wrenches in a shop and use my knife with dirty/oily hands and it turns black in a hurry. Mine is still quite grippy and I like the way it is. I can still see the pattern a little so its not totally blacked out.
 
Just using it for a few days will darken it, you can also use a spot of oil or wax to get it darker or more uniform than a "hand oil" finish. It will go back to grey if it gets wet or you wash it, but it is always quick to darken again. Darkening the micarta really makes no difference to anything other than the colour. :)
 
Haze said:
Just using it for a few days will darken it, you can also use a spot of oil or wax to get it darker or more uniform than a "hand oil" finish. It will go back to grey if it gets wet or you wash it, but it is always quick to darken again. Darkening the micarta really makes no difference to anything other than the colour. :)
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That's good to know, as all I'm looking to do is change the color, not the grip. I didn't know it happened that fast though. I seem to fondle my knives a good bit, so it might be dark enough within a week!
 
flyingjon said:
I've just used mine. I turn wrenches in a shop and use my knife with dirty/oily hands and it turns black in a hurry. Mine is still quite grippy and I like the way it is. I can still see the pattern a little so its not totally blacked out.
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First post, hope it's useful. I am in agreement. I bought an Insingo through TNT just a couple of weeks ago. In that short time, the micarta has darkened somewhat naturally through use and it looks great. I am thoroughly enjoying this knife and my appreciation for it's quality and craftsmanship increases daily.
 
This is what my 25 looks when the micarta darkens. It goes totally black but still keeps the same texture, it will also of course "pocket polish" a little over time. :)

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Haze said:
This is what my 25 looks when the micarta darkens. It goes totally black but still keeps the same texture, it will also of course "pocket polish" a little over time. :)

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Nice! How long did it take to get to that point? That's about what I want.
 
It was like that after about a week or so, you could do it right out the box with just a spot of oil and a cloth though. :)
 
giant1 said:
Yep...

Use it and they will darken up soon enough.
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This makes me feel a lot better. Like I say, I play with my knives all the time. I take them out, open and close them, spin them around in my hand, then put them away. I do this throughout the day, so I'm thinking mine should get to be the color I want within a week, and will probably just get even better looking after a while.

Thanks all!!
 
It might seem odd but I opened and closed my Insingo 100 times within an hour or so of having unboxed it. Seriously. I did batches of 10-20. Just open and close, open and close. It made my thumb a bit sore but helped to break the knife in. 2 weeks later and it only takes a slight push of my thumb (~1cm) and I can easily flick the blade open. The action is velvety and just. locks. solid.
Photo Apr 29, 10 31 02 PM.jpg

Love the knife.
 
apbtlvr said:
It might seem odd but I opened and closed my Insingo 100 times within an hour or so of having unboxed it. Seriously. I did batches of 10-20. Just open and close, open and close. It made my thumb a bit sore but helped to break the knife in. 2 weeks later and it only takes a slight push of my thumb (~1cm) and I can easily flick the blade open. The action is velvety and just. locks. solid.
View attachment 539523

Love the knife.
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That doesn't seem odd to me. I would be willing to bet I open and close mine close to that same amount each day as well. Very smooth knife, and I just LOVE the sounds!
 
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