Dying zytel

[Brutus013]

Is there a way to dye zytel handles on knives? I've heard G10 can by dyed in some circumstances, but I have never heard of dying zytel. Is it possible?

 

[yablanowitz]

I've seen pictures on the Spyderco factory forum where a couple of guys have dyed their white FRN Dragonflies a different color. I haven't seen any reports on how well it holds up.

 

[knarfeng]

Zytel is Nylon and it is non-porous. For dyes to work effectively, the material needs to be porous in order to absorb the dye. If the Zytel in question were white as in the one yablanowitz speaks of, you might find some aggressive dye that would tint it. But it would be surface only, so that, even if it worked, I would not expect the color to last.

 

[Brutus013]

Right, but G10 isn't porus, and I've heard of them being succesfully dyed, and the color lasting at least a week without any fading at all (that was when he updated the thread).

 

[knarfeng]

Depending on how it was finished, G10 can have a bit of surface porosity compared to Zytel. Zytel is molded into net shape under heat and pressure. It should have zero surface porosity if it is molded correctly. The surface of G10 is sometimes sanded, which can leave the surface with micro-scratches, that is to say, someplace that the dye molecules can hang onto for a spell.

However, my expectation would be that, over time with continued usage, the color imparted by dying either G10 or Zytel will rub off. It might last a few weeks as an EDC before losing its color, perhaps longer if you don't really use the knife. I suppose it could last for years if you left it on the dresser. I would not expect it to last 6 months of daily usage where you really handle the knife. I've not tried it, but that would be my expectation for those materials.