How to Keep White Bone White?

S

Scott Free

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Sep 15, 1999
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I've only used bone for a knife handle once. I used linseed oil to protect it, and it took on a nice warm honey color. I've very happy with the way it looks, but next time, I think I want to preserve the whiteness of the bone. What can I use to protect the bone white preserving as much of it's whiteness as possible?

Scott
 
Scott Ridgeway said:
I've only used bone for a knife handle once. I used linseed oil to protect it, and it took on a nice warm honey color. I've very happy with the way it looks, but next time, I think I want to preserve the whiteness of the bone. What can I use to protect the bone white preserving as much of it's whiteness as possible?

Scott
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I can't think of anything you might want to try. Anything that is organic will turn yellow then brown then black eventually. Its the universal truth about oxidation. That said, you may slow the process by waxing it periodically, or leaving in the sun?
 
The yellowing that I got with this particular knife was not caused by aging, but by the natural yellow of the linseed oil being absorbed into the bone. Is there some other type of oil that I can use that is more clear? If it ages and turns yellow, so be it. I'd like it to at least start out white, and hopefully stay that way for a while. I know it can be done because I've seen knives with white bone handles. I just don't know how to do it.

Scott
 
Howie and Sunfish have it.Either have it stabilized or do it yourself with cyanoacrylic.
 
I wouldn't think super glue would penetrate the bone so you'ld have a thin layer resting on the top. Is it tough enough? I don't mind putting on a new coat every six months or so, but I wouldn't want to do it every week.

Scott
 
The cyanoacrylic penetrates the bone and fills the pores.Once it won't take any more (several coatings),you just give it the final sanding.It should not absorb the things that make it turn dark as easily after stabilizing.There should not be a coating on the surface,only in the bone.Once done properly,it should not need redoing.
 
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