Covers Too Dark

[Markeologist]

Having done this a few times, I would be more worried about rust than any supposed weakening of the bone from h2o2. The handles normally turn out good, the metal doesn’t always make it untarnished.

Bear in mind that lighter colored dyes will normally come out faster, and give better results. Good luck.

As I have discussed elsewhere on BF, most rust can be prevented by oiling and masking as well as how knife is immersed in the liquid (for example there is no reason to immerse the blades or tang-end bolster). That said, the rust being discussed here is also the result being immersed in an oxidizing fluid which is exasperating the process. Its obvious on the steel components of knife but think about what this process is doing to the porous, softer bone which you can’t see.

 

[Camillus]

The masking will not deal with all exposed surfaces - its simply not possible. there is a risk of rust developing with any dying proces that people advocate on these forums, including my methods. Any immersion of a knife in hot water creates that risk.

The h2o2 is comparatively not an issue - its commonly used as a bleach on all sorts of situations, including this one.