New Mini-Copperlock dye job

T

Trapper92

Joined
May 22, 2014
Messages
125
First off, let me preface this by sayin I do intend to carry this knife as a user, I'm truly not too concerned since it will be in my pocket alot. Now, that being said. I'm am a little unimpressed with the dye job on this one. The ends and edges of the scales seem to be lacking in the color department. Is this normal on bone scales? Is the white actually supposed to be red or is it just how these things are dyed? Overall I'm happy with the knife, blades pretty centered, locks well, pretty decent f&f, came sharp but it was a very toothy edge. I've got a few other Case knives with bone, never really seen this though. So what do you guys think about the dye job?

Thanks,
Adam



 
Not sure why Case is so inconsistent with their dying. :confused:
If that was my knife I'd be on my way to picking up some rit dye in red.
 
I'm just gonna carry it as is, like I said, it's a user so I'm not too concerned with it. Just was wanting some opinions on if this was normal. Sounds like case is inconsistent with their dying?
 
I had a similarly dyed medium stockman that I ended up not carrying much because of the dye job. So, I dyed it again myself and I was floored by the change!

null_zps4fbf5a3e.jpg


74ACB4CF-1D3E-4C05-957E-0BD994604897_zpsc5p2sade.jpg
 
It's bizarre, CASE often sends out this Strawberry Pink Bone with 'icing' edges claiming it's Red. Some people have said it's due to environmental regs about dye use. That cat won't jump as GEC puts out really nice shades or darker Red, Queen too. CASE's Chestnut Bone is beautiful, that doesn't have this slightly dipped look.

As Todd has just shown, some decent dye results can be obtained. I've used strong tea to good effect, coffe works too and colour dyes. will post pix later but got to run off to work, aaarghhh!:grumpy:
 
I could be completely missing the boat on this one, but it seems to me that in this case it's more likely a procedural problem than a materials problem. The places where it's white are all on the edges where the bone would have been sanded down during the hafting process. Seems to me like the dye didn't fully penetrate the bone. Either they're not letting the bone soak long enough, or they're not using pressure/vacuum properly. This is all conjecture on my part, and I could be wrong. Maybe one of our members that are more experienced in the manufacturing process will chime in with some more useful information.
 
environmental regs about dye use??????
wonder what that actually means.
Its classic case wishy washy dying- if its red call it red if it's strawberry pancake with whipped cream round the edges call it that.On second thoughts don't because who would buy it. Just lie and hope no one notices. Sorry to be harsh but not the first time its happened.
HEY I dunno maybe its supposed to look like that.:rolleyes:
I've used RIT with success so thats what I'd do until it went red.
 
I get into a large Case dealer fairly often - I've noticed this color variation in Case's "pastel" color lines - lots of special run sets in "Easter Egg" colors. I am a big fan (buyer) of modern Case knives - but I limit myself to the darker colors. I also notice that the sets with the darker colored knives get gone quicker than the pastels - so I don't know why they insist on so many light colors. OH
 
Ps. I think the dye job on the Trapper92's knife is the coloration "style" that Case wants for that series. Case can certainly dye the bone darker when they choose - here is a 62032 Texas Jack I bought last spring from a set of Brick Red Winterbottom bone handled knives - all of the knives in the set had an even and deep dye job applied. OH

Case_62032_SS_Select_Texas_Jack_2013_Mark_.JPG


Case_62032_SS_Select_Texas_Jack_2013_Pile_.JPG
 
Last edited:
Trapper, I have the same knife. Mine is dyed exactly the same as yours. Love the knife, it came perfect except for the dye job and a large wire edge on the blade.
 
If it were mine, I'd probably try out some of that oil based leather dye mentioned in the Coffee thread. See the link posted by Corey.

BTW, I'm still waiting on my fix. ;)
 
I bought a new medium (small-medium) Case stockman last week and it's the same as your copperlock. I was very disappointed when I received it too. I think I'm going to try a stove top dye job on it...
 
Thanks for all the advice and info guys. Got it soaking in some coffee right now, figured I'd give that a try and see how it goes before I did anything else :thumbup:
 
Here's proof that CASE can do contemporary Redbone OK, when minded to. Case/T.Bose Teardrop 2014 production model, note the lack of 'frosting' white.

IMG_1583.jpg


And here's a shot of a Humpback Half Whittler (2013 made) that got the treatment a few months ago. It arrived very similar in colour to the OP's knife, distinct pink with white 'icing' at the edges. I used a tea dye soak, Blaine (bwperdue) did a good tutorial but to paraphrase - get all oils off the knife it's vital, use alcohol for this and handle with paper. Brew up an ultra strong solution of tea British style in a small saucepan leave the tea-bags in, place the knife in this and a little salt as fixer. Do not boil it or the scales could be wrecked, just leave to soak overnight. It turns the metal black, even stainless! Wash off and clean up.

IMG_1098.jpg
 
Last edited:
Here's after about 2 hours in some black coffee. Seems to have darkened it a bit. I think I'm gonna give it a couple more hours

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top