Custom Dyed GEC’s by Nathan & Travis

Not sure I completely agree about the mineral oil option, it might just spread the green colour....I've found brass and light colours /Stag plus my sweat don't work well and I have used mineral oil on Stag knives with brass liners and it seems to promote verdigris. It's why I've decided that in future it's best to get light bone/Stag knives with steel liners where possible. But, it might just be me.

The results of this dyeing are not in any doubt though, really excellent looking enhanced knives. It's a bit of a mystery as some GEC red knives, usually the Jigged ones have good colour absorption and appearance. I have a 14 and 62 in very nice dark red, also had a 15 Radio Jack that looked very fine but traded it. Often the question of red colour comes up with CASE Redbone. In the last century, CASE Redbone was something to behold (although often uneven from pile to mark side) but contemporary stuff often needs dye. Why is this?? Some people claim it's due to environmental laws restricting hazardous colour dyes but I find that a bit unlikely otherwise all other colours would be affected by it. Perhaps it was a technique or additive that's been forgotten or the quality of bone itself? A mystery indeed.

Thanks to Travman for opening this door into a richer world of reds :thumbsup:
 
Will Power said:
Not sure I completely agree about the mineral oil option, it might just spread the green colour....I've found brass and light colours /Stag plus my sweat don't work well and I have used mineral oil on Stag knives with brass liners and it seems to promote verdigris. It's why I've decided that in future it's best to get light bone/Stag knives with steel liners where possible. But, it might just be me.

The results of this dyeing are not in any doubt though, really excellent looking enhanced knives. It's a bit of a mystery as some GEC red knives, usually the Jigged ones have good colour absorption and appearance. I have a 14 and 62 in very nice dark red, also had a 15 Radio Jack that looked very fine but traded it. Often the question of red colour comes up with CASE Redbone. In the last century, CASE Redbone was something to behold (although often uneven from pile to mark side) but contemporary stuff often needs dye. Why is this?? Some people claim it's due to environmental laws restricting hazardous colour dyes but I find that a bit unlikely otherwise all other colours would be affected by it. Perhaps it was a technique or additive that's been forgotten or the quality of bone itself? A mystery indeed.

Thanks to Travman for opening this door into a richer world of reds :thumbsup:
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Gotta agree with Will here. I have bought a NIT older smooth white bone GEC and applied mineral oil for storage, was dismayed to see verdigris grow around the pins after that. The knife had made it 8 years looking gorgeous, until I smeared that mineral oil all over.
Trav these dye jobs are awesome, thanks for sharing with us! I'm already looking at my bone knives differently, trying to find a candidate for this. Are we ever going to find out the name or chemistry of this dye?
 
Will Power said:
Not sure I completely agree about the mineral oil option, it might just spread the green colour....I've found brass and light colours /Stag plus my sweat don't work well and I have used mineral oil on Stag knives with brass liners and it seems to promote verdigris. It's why I've decided that in future it's best to get light bone/Stag knives with steel liners where possible. But, it might just be me.

The results of this dyeing are not in any doubt though, really excellent looking enhanced knives. It's a bit of a mystery as some GEC red knives, usually the Jigged ones have good colour absorption and appearance. I have a 14 and 62 in very nice dark red, also had a 15 Radio Jack that looked very fine but traded it. Often the question of red colour comes up with CASE Redbone. In the last century, CASE Redbone was something to behold (although often uneven from pile to mark side) but contemporary stuff often needs dye. Why is this?? Some people claim it's due to environmental laws restricting hazardous colour dyes but I find that a bit unlikely otherwise all other colours would be affected by it. Perhaps it was a technique or additive that's been forgotten or the quality of bone itself? A mystery indeed.

Thanks to Travman for opening this door into a richer world of reds :thumbsup:
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Lead was a commonly used ingredient in dyes.
 
ephsea said:
Gotta agree with Will here. I have bought a NIT older smooth white bone GEC and applied mineral oil for storage, was dismayed to see verdigris grow around the pins after that. The knife had made it 8 years looking gorgeous, until I smeared that mineral oil all over.
Trav these dye jobs are awesome, thanks for sharing with us! I'm already looking at my bone knives differently, trying to find a candidate for this. Are we ever going to find out the name or chemistry of this dye?
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JW225 said:
I can only echo the thoughts of Will Power Will Power and ephsea ephsea as to the likelihood of mineral oil promoting verdigris. I applied mineral oil generously to some beautiful stag covers on a GEC 73 to enhance their appearance, and was mortified when they started to turn green. Oh, well — at least I now have a user for St. Paddy’s Day…🙄
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That is unfortunate. I believe the verdigris was already hiding around the pins and the mineral oil simply spread it, which is what we have seen in the past. I’m suggesting putting the whole knife in a large container of mineral oil and let it all leach all the way out or become so diluted that it is no longer visible. I don’t know if it would work, but why not give it a try if the verdigris has already spread.

I actually don’t know the name of the dyes that Nate has been using. Several years ago, he was able to bring home some of the dye he used at his work for dyeing wood. He did say that the dye is not commercially available. The only way for him to get more would to contact his old buddies that may still work there.
 
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Travman said:
It is a little too dark and overcast for great pictures, but this is what I’m working with this morning.
mcJV61w.jpg

u4A88bi.jpg
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These look amazing!

Out of curiosity, has anyone ever tried dye on smooth stag instead of white bone? I've seen some stag that just had no figure at all and seemed visually really similar to a sort of white/yellow bone, but I don't know if the porosity or anything is different that would make it not take dye as well.
 
pat9198 said:
That’s funny because your 39 is what pushed me to find one. Thanks!
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Glad I could turn you on to an under-appreciated pattern. Love yours even more with that darkened color, and I think it would have been better received initially if they hadn't come from the factory with so much pink showing. I know I'll be ducking for saying this, but I like the 39 frame better than the 15 for a spearpoint. FYI I wouldn't dye my current 39, it's special to me. I'd have to buy *another* 🤣 I know this dye is out there somewhere, and I've never been deterred by that "unavailable" thing, where there's a will there's a way...
Also must add that after looking at one of your posts t'other day, I found myself looking at Case knives, which has never happened before. So, you're well on your way to revenging yourself ;)
 
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Will Power said:
pat9198 pat9198 Is that the same knife??? :Do_O What a difference and how rich:thumbsup: So much for people saying Camelbone won't take dye very well, this 39 is a knife anybody with real taste would long to have in their collection.

GEC should be pulling up a chair and staring intently.....CASE too for that matter :D
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Yes Will, it’s the same knife and the photos were taken in the same location at basically the same time of day for what that’s worth. It’s as drastic of a change in person as it is in the photos. I had no idea what to expect and I’m thrilled with the results!
 
ephsea said:
Glad I could turn you on to an under-appreciated pattern. Love yours even more with that darkened color, and I think it would have been better received initially if they hadn't come from the factory with so much pink showing. I know I'll be ducking for saying this, but I like the 39 frame better than the 15 for a spearpoint. FYI I wouldn't dye my current 39, it's special to me. I'd have to buy *another* 🤣 I know this dye is out there somewhere, and I've never been deterred by that "unavailable" thing, where there's a will there's a way...
Also must add that after looking at one of your posts t'other day, I found myself looking at Case knives, which has never happened before. So, you're well on your way to revenging yourself ;)
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I’m right there with you on the 39 pattern, there’s a lot to love about it. I’ll carry this one more now for sure. I’ve always loved the spear on it and the color is just icing on the cake!

Case has put some gems in their lineup lately! 🤣👍
 
More great results, superb difference.

I wonder if he has any GREEN dye....?? I have a 73 Beaver Tail in Ivory Bone aka verdigris that might benefit :)
 
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