Refinishing Buck knife scales

[Ozso]

Does anyone know if the Taylor guitar dark ebony scales on 110s and such just have a dark surface finish, or if the wood is dark all the way through?
I want to redo the scales to have a lighter walnut or pecan color.

 

[eveled]

They are the same all the way through. Not dyed

 

[Ozso]

I have a used 2021 055 and it looks like the ebony finish is worn away in one spot, showing a lighter color. The rivet in that spot is worn down some too. Probably from someone's thumb.