Dyed Wood: Disclosure?

The Burgh

The Burgh

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I'm a collector of custom/handmade fixed blade, wooden handled knives.

Here's a question for you makers (and collectors to chime in): Should listings of these knives specifically disclose whether or not the wood has been dyed? Not just listings here on BF, but also websites, Facebook, dealers, etc..

I have noticed a trend in the specification of "stabilized" in for-sale descriptions.

Just wondering how folks feel about this issue.

Thanks for candid, considered opinions!
 
I don't see why they should, if you deal with a maker that will answer questions it shouldn't be a problem.

But I do try and mark mine.
 
The Burgh said:
I'm a collector of custom/handmade fixed blade, wooden handled knives.

Here's a question for you makers (and collectors to chime in): Should listings of these knives specifically disclose whether or not the wood has been dyed? Not just listings here on BF, but also websites, Facebook, dealers, etc..

I have noticed a trend in the specification of "stabilized" in for-sale descriptions.

Just wondering how folks feel about this issue.

Thanks for candid, considered opinions!
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In a lot of cases it's pretty obvious that wood has been dyed. If not, then don't know that it matters (at least to me).
If it is a concern to the potential buyer, then just ask.

Disclosing wood is stabilized is a different matter as the seller is advising potential buyers there should be less chance of issue with the wood/handle.
 
I have seen wood dyed blue, green, black, gray, etc, but I don't think I have seen wood dyed so naturally you can't tell at a glance it's been dyed. It's usually evident.
 
Personally i like when the description of the materials is as complete as it can be... a sign of courtesy from the maker.
I somewhat hate when i read "damascus" without stating the steels used, the same for bolsters etc... don't just tell me "stainless"... and for sure i prefer to know the finish of the wood as well, if it's an oil finish, stabilized and dyed or whatever.
I believe those informations add more interesting (maybe even just for conversation) points to the knife.
 
The term "disclosed" implies dyed wood is bad. I don't think it's a negative, thus disclosure is not on the table. A knife maker should state what information will help them sell the knife and answer any questions. Too much information can detract from the "hook" needed to interest a buyer. If a person's preference is natural materials in their natural state, then the buyer should ask if the wood is treated or dyed. If your preference is hard as nails stabilized wood with a wild pink color for your girlfriend... :)
 
I don't believe there is such a thing as "too much information" regarding sale of handmade knives. Reds/oranges can be used to enhance natural wood colors much less obviously than bright green or whatever. Likewise, dyed stag is in my opinion is not in the same class as natural Amber stag. Same for mammoth molars. As mentioned by stezann above, the more details up front, the better. That's a real "hook" and builds trust.
 
Bob Leedy said:
I don't believe there is such a thing as "too much information" regarding sale of handmade knives. Reds/oranges can be used to enhance natural wood colors much less obviously than bright green or whatever. Likewise, dyed stag is in my opinion is not in the same class as natural Amber stag. Same for mammoth molars. As mentioned by stezann above, the more details up front, the better. That's a real "hook" and builds trust.
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Sure, I agree.

To me there is more potential for obfuscation with stag not wood. There was a discussion on that awhile back, and its something I am not fully familiar with, but the discussion gave me pause due to my ignorance. Some said that old stag, although maybe not dyed, was treated with pottasium permagnate for insect control, which effectively dyes it as well. Then there is first and second cut stag and jigged second cut stag. I have only two stag handled knives so I don't know much other than "coon fingerin" at shows. My two are not dark rich amber and are pretty clearly first cut, natural and untreated.
 
Bob Leedy said:
I don't believe there is such a thing as "too much information" regarding sale of handmade knives. Reds/oranges can be used to enhance natural wood colors much less obviously than bright green or whatever. Likewise, dyed stag is in my opinion is not in the same class as natural Amber stag. Same for mammoth molars. As mentioned by stezann above, the more details up front, the better. That's a real "hook" and builds trust.
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I'm curious, what do you mean by "natural amber stag?" or "dyed stag?" I've never seen any stag that is amber which is natural, it's done through a process. I associate dyed stag with amber stag, same thing to me. where am I misunderstanding you?:confused:
 
Just my opinion here and I am biased.
Usually dyed wood is obvious. ....and it is an extra cost that adds value.
If someone treats the wood with a stain or other finish that tints the wood that is just part of the finishing process.
So my opinion is that it is something that the knife maker can decide. Some might feel that it is over describing the obvious.

and......I have never heard of natural amber stag either.
 
If you are concerned that wood that isn't obviously dyed might in fact be dyed, then ask. I don't see this as an issue of disclosure at all.
 
The garishly dyed woods, usually found on maple(s) and buckeye are unappealing to me
but I'm a sucker for black dyed(and stabilized) curly maple.
Of the type used on the Joe Paranee Jason Knight Founders Fighting Bowies.

Daniel Winkler told me most servicemen order the curly maple over the synthetics and other scales.

Disclosure shouldn't even be an issue, imo.

Doug
 
Alpha Knife Supply said:
I've never seen natural amber stag. Are you sure it exists?

Chuck
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I've seen old antique carving knife sets where the stag handles have ambered over many years.
There's a maker who recovered the old ambered handle from an old carving knife and used it for a Bowie handle.
I can't remember who the knifemaker was, however I will look through my photo files if I get a chance today.

Also, examples of ambered Bowie handles can be found in 'The Antique Bowie Knife Book'.
 
Sorry for creating confusion. My use of "Amber" (aggravated by spell-check capitalization) actually referred to 2 things: naturally dark surface scales minimally sanded that show gradation of color from brown to cream, and older stag handles (like old Randall's) that have darkened naturally due to handling and absorbing oils. Both more golden than red/amber, actually. It's also likely that I have mistaken some older pieces treated with potassium permanganate rather than specifically dyed as "natural".
 
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