How to Darken Cocobolo

[ptradeco]

Looking for a little advice here. I have a cocobolo handled knife that I would like to darken the color of. Best way to go about this? I have searched this forum and really did not come up with anything.

Thank you.

 

[bhyde]

Looking for a little advice here. I have a cocobolo handled knife that I would like to darken the color of. Best way to go about this? I have searched this forum and really did not come up with anything.

Thank you.

If the wood is stabilized, I don't think you are going to have any success making it darker... Maybe have the cocobolo replaced with a darker version of your choice?

 

[mongolguy]

Cocobolo darkens with age and oxidation. I would strip off any finish and leave it in a sunlit spot.

Just my 2 bits.

 

[grizzled gizzard]

If there is any clear finish, remove that with paint stripper, that's the easiest way. Cocobolo is very dense, so I would use an aniline dye stain. Nothing can resist it.

 

[ptradeco]

Thank you guys for the input.

Grizz - I went to a wood working supply yesterday and they told me to do exactly what you suggest. As this does not have a clear finish they said some leaching of the dye will occur due to the oil finish that is there already but to just keep wiping it down and apply more stain. Depending on how dark I want it probably about 2 months to complete the process.