Blackening antler

[Dan Zawacki]

Has anybody got a way to make antler a flat black color?

I was considering lightly charring with a torch and sanding. The steryotypical texture and contour of the typical stag handle isn't important in this one. It'll be sanded flat anyhow.

If I were careful with the torch, is it likely that I can get a good even black, or am I just going to crack the antler? is there a better way?

 

[DC KNIVES]

Ok, not sure why you would want to, but a coat or two of Fiebing's leather oil dye should do the job well. Dave

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You would destroy the antler if you charred it to black (It will get brown with heat,but it gets brittle,too). Use any good grade dye.
Stacy