How To Dymalux scales - what to apply to pull out the color?

[wahoowad]

I purchased a handmade knife from a small US-based maker off Etsy. The Dymalux scales are slightly washed out / less colorful than shown in the photo and I am wondering if there is something I can apply to make the color a little more vibrant? I have mineral oil on hand if that would work without making the handle oily.

 

[Linus Knives]

I added some polyurethane to my dymalux handles I made a while back and it worked quite well. I also could've added more coats of it, I think I only did a couple. I'm sure there's a lot of options though...

 

[wahoowad]

I would try polyurethane but am thinking it seal up the grain/texture and I would want to avoid that. I like that knife!

 

[Linus Knives]

I would try polyurethane but am thinking it seal up the grain/texture and I would want to avoid that. I like that knife!

Yeah, that could be a problem even though I don't think it affected mine. On a side note, the knife is for sale if you're interested . It would go well with the one you've got! 1095 steel. $75 shipped.

 

[Linus Knives]

Yeah, that could be a problem even though I don't think it affected mine. On a side note, the knife is for sale if you're interested . It would go well with the one you've got! 1095 steel. $75 shipped.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

When I make knives with wood or micarta scales I rub the handle down with a number of coats of Danish Oil (Watco)

It soaks in a bit, and slightly hardens, slightly fills in minor surface scratches. A number of coats... 4-6+

It soaks in and dries pretty quick. Puddle it up, gently wipe it down/off

Then I hand buff with my palms. After it dries

It gives wood and micarta a nice texture, color, and light shine


Later on, weeks, months, years later you can add More to the scales.

I'll add mineral oil to the blade. Maybe a light wipe down everywhere, for pictures