my dye job esee-5

S

striker071

Joined
Nov 4, 2008
Messages
126
Well after reading and searching on the ESEE section I did a dye job on my ESEE-5. This is my first ESEE and it won' be my last.

dyejob1.jpg



This does double as my first ESEE as well so I don't have to get the "WITHOUT PICS IT DIDN"T HAPPEN" posts.
 
Last edited:
Looks awesome - Im keen to do this on my new 6.

Do you mind running through the process?
 
OK there are other threads that are better.

Bought RIT liquid.

Boiled about a half gallon of water and put about 3 ounces of rit in a glass bowl.

Added water , mixed and put the slabs in and let them soak... about 5 min... then pulled them out and rinsed with cold water..... I need to say I didn't leave them in long enough the first time so I sent them in for another 5 or 10 mins or so until I got the color dark enough.

It also looks darker wet and dries a little lighter .... so If you want them deep black... then the time in the dye might need to be longer or multiple dippings might need to be done.

basically ..... No fear...

The only other issue I had was finding the dye.... I went to my local target and they didn't have it ... same for the local Walmart.....I got a suggestion from the cashier at Walmart and it was a good one. Jo-Anns Fabric place had it .... and they had many colors.

Izula II might be in my future.....
 
Looks great! I am wanting to order a set of Izula handles and try the same thing so I am glad to see it worked so well!

Any problems with the RIT dye wearing off overtime? I know many people use it to dye G10 and FRN without any problems so I figure Micarta would be no different as far as keeping the color when being used or getting wet in use.
 
that looks like one tough s.o.b. how could you not feel cool with it on your side in your hand or even in your pack! :D nice job and great instructions!
 
Not sure about how long it will last over time but.... It was relatively easy and I think a redying would just make it black again.
 
Ok, thanks! My main concern was if the color "bleeds" out over time if say I am using it and my hands are sweaty would it cause the RIT dye to bleed off?

Thanks for any info, I don't have any experience with RIT dye or its longevity.
 
looks great man!! Thanks for sharing. I too was wondering about wear and tear and if it bleeds on your hands at all?
 
If you try it on Izula micarta handles (maybe izula II also) you might soak up the plastic part that fits into the skeletonized handle.....not sure.

Also, some of the handles have a liner that could separate I believe.
 
Looks professionally done, real clean. I'd like to know if you get a tinted sweaty hand after heavy use, though.

I've heard of folks using shoe polish, but it seems like dye is a better option.
 
Nope. No tinted hands/ gloves.

I actually got the idea from the one of the Becker guys. Apply paste polish on, allow to dry, buff off with a cloth. Repeat if desired.


I do think the OP's 5 looks bad ass with the black canvas micarta.
 
I don't believe it will run. Fabric dye sets pretty well. Will post if it does run or come off in my hands during or after use.
 
OK I ran the handle under some water and handled the knife wet.... no black coloration on my hands. Tried it twice... just to make sure.... think this is pretty color fast...
 
That's really cool. With the options of dye colors available, I bet there are all sorts of cool things to try. Thanks for testing your work for the gratification of the rest of us (and yourself, too, I suppose)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top