augustus 88 I really like the look of that 'modified' Amber Bone .
What exactly is that stuff and is it permanent?
Today, it's my latest acquisition GEC No.25 EZ-Open in Antique Amber Barnboard. Can't find anything wrong with it,wonderful small sturdy friend.
Fiebings leather dye.
http://cornercobbler.com/FiebingsLeatherDye.html
The Amber bone looked like jigged plastic to me so I had to change the color. The Fiebings dye job on my Texas Jack was done two years ago and it still looks the same after plenty of pocket time and use.
I used Fiebings Cordovan and Tan dyes. The Tan dye looks brown when you put it on and turns a very neutral olive green when you wipe it away(on white or amber bone). Predicting the actual color you're going to get is a bit tough. Practice on a cheap Rough Rider knife first if you're afraid to risk a nice knife. I've successfully altered the color on three Case knives, two GEC, one Bulldog by GEC and one Marbles.
1. Heat water in a mug for one minute(enough water to submerge the knife).
2. Soak the knife in the hot water for about a minute or two. Soaking in hot water seems to open up the pores in the bone so the dye penetrates nicely.
3. Remove the knife from the water and quickly dry off the scales. It should be hot to the touch.
4. Apply the Fiebings dye with a Q-tip and allow to dry for a minute.
5. Wipe away all the excess dye with a soft cotton cloth.
6. Repeat all the steps until you get the desired color.
7. Buff the bone softly with the cotton cloth to make sure that no residual surface dye remains.
8. Use compressed air to blow water out of the nooks, crannies and joints.
9. Oil the knife to avoid rust and lubricate joints.
