Bone, Green Bone, Red Bone????

[TooManyKnives101]

I've been learning a lot these last couple months, but there is something I have been having some trouble with. What is the easiest way to tell the difference in bone description? This may seem silly, but the colors are perplexing me. I've seen 'green bone' knives that are definately green and some that look more like red. The same is true for knives labled as 'red bone'. Is this just a matter of poor labeling or am I totality missing something here?

 

[DaveinNY]

It's my understanding that Red Bone was an advertising name given to red jigged bone produced by WR Case many noons ago. Green bone is a name that collectors came up with to discribe any jigged bone other than those with a red hue. Over the years the names have morphed into what you see on ebay now. If I am not correct, I'm sure someone will be along to correct me.

 

[Zordas]

...Just be careful if you use any distillate-based lubricant on the blade(s) - it can remove the dye off the bone (depending on age and color-fastness)

Frank.

 

[neeman]

I just used some cheap distillate-based lubricant.
And Yes I have red dye all over everywhere.
Washed the handle in soap.
Then rubbed in olive oil to seal it again