Dyed my Kabar micarta

B.Mauser

B.Mauser

Joined
Jul 22, 2011
Messages
2,348
I didn't like how light my micarta was. I know they darken with use but I was looking for more than that.

First I sanded it with 3 grits of sandpaper (120- 400-1000) getting it nice and smooth. Cleaned it with a rag and dyed it with the Fiebing's professional oil dye I use on my sheaths. Several heavy coats. Color was light brown. I let it dry 3 days, wiped it down with paper towels and then rags. After that I cold waxed it with beeswax and polished by hand with a rag.

I'm very happy with how it came out. Hopefully it holds up long term without bleeding out. I have been using it for about a week with no noticeable stain coming off on my hands and gloves so far.

Pics :)


Before.

BK16%20Micarta_zpsxdfrqrb7.jpg



After. In the sun.


073aa18b-ef72-4d79-9118-7e23c05bd7af_zpspaimdggo.jpg



In the shade.

BK15%20Brown%20Micarta2_zpsmelqegyz.jpg


d61b6f26-df39-4d91-a2d1-b7cfadbf3fa9_zps3mphxag2.jpg
 
When you say "getting it nice and smooth" - I hope thats not a 'slippy' smooth or it could be dangerous to those of a weak grip... Haha
 
Thanks everyone. Happy you like it.

jius said:
When you say "getting it nice and smooth" - I hope thats not a 'slippy' smooth or it could be dangerous to those of a weak grip... Haha
Click to expand...

Haha yeah this would definitely get his attention if he was still around. I didn't even get a chance to ask him how many whacks my 15 will last. :D




Creaky Bones said:
Weird how the dye made your 16 look like a 15 ;)
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Yeah I was pretty surprised too. Now I just need to find out what color dye will turn it into a Reinhardt Becker and I will be really happy. :thumbup:
 
I would much rather the set youve dyed - look brilliant! I prefer the darker colours of timber and usually dont bother with Micarta, Id be very happy to sport a pair of these though. Well done man.
 
Thanks guys! :)

And Granite my hand is healing very well thank you. Still weak and a little painful to use but so much better. I get to ease up on the tendon stretches and start strength training it next week. Cant wait to use a Becker right handed again. :thumbup:
 
Those look great! Nice work. I may dye the micarta on my necker one of these days.

Creaky Bones said:
Weird how the dye made your 16 look like a 15 ;)
Click to expand...
If he could tell me what dye would turn my 7 into a 9, it would save me some $$!!

B.Mauser said:
Thanks guys! :)

And Granite my hand is healing very well thank you. Still weak and a little painful to use but so much better. I get to ease up on the tendon stretches and start strength training it next week. Cant wait to use a Becker right handed again. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Don't know the back story, but I'm glad to hear recovering well from your injury.
 
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I've recently been experimenting with staining micarta,
(didn't do this to a Becker but my RD Tanto by Ontario)

Anywhooo, got bored, had a knife that needed work, had more time than supplies (due to being stuck at a location)
So, gave it a shot,

I managed to stain the micarta scales (the colour is fixed and stable) with Ink, I kid you not, (makes sense, as it just stained the fabric) I coated it on, (heavy, and due to the micartas idiosyncratic absorption, and uneven air drying, I applied more ink to dry spots, (it's better too Dab than paint) then cleaned it off, (I rinsed and repeated this process at least eight times)

It took awhile but worked better than I expected, (used a large black felt marker, I understand the ink formula varies from marker to marker, so YMMV,)

It may have been reckless, but it proves it was doable,
 
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