Sheath color gotta change!!

R

rom

Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
33
Does any one know how to make a light brown leather sheath to be black or at least dark brown?
Black shoe polish? I don't think it's gonna work. Some kind of paint may be? But I don't want it to peel off with time. Or may be soak it in some special black substance for some time? Anyway thay substnace should not have any elements that accelerate corrosion of steel. Any idea?? Just hate that light tan, makes the fact of the knife on my belt more obvious to everybody. Please help if you can.
 
I dyed a sheath just using a liquid black shoe dye, from the shelves in a Safeway Supermarket..where you get the shoe polish, etc. It came in a small bottle with its own sponge applicator...and it did a very good job..and has lasted through much use. I liked it so much I also bought the Cordova brown and same results. Cheap and easy. But...desperate times, call for desperate measures.
If you have more time..like your not wearing your blade on a date tonight...then try Tandy Leather Co. They have leather dye's and directions, as well as professional advice. You can e-mail with them, or even get help over the phone. Prices are super..and selections are great.
www.tandyleather.com ......they'll have all the dyes, stains & finishes you'll need. They have State by State toll free numbers..so go online first.
 
I'd be real careful there. As most of the guys I know that make saddles and other leather jobs for people have told me. I was in their shop one day picking up some scraps like I do every now and then and Randy, my friend and expert saddle maker for many top rodeo guys saw me with a couple of pieces that had been colored or dyed. One was a deep red or burgundy and the other was a dark chocolate brown.

He came over and took them both and told me I didn't want to use those or the color would rub off on my knife and handle and that it would be a bear to get out if you could even get it out at all.

Just a thought.
 
rom....aggreed...it is best to tell Tandy what you have, and what you want to do, and what it's for..etc. There are other tanning process' other than the vegatable tanning..and some dyes are oil based, etc.
still...I can vouch for the shoe dye. I've never had my white socks change color...or my feet burn or itch...and like I said...I tried it on my sheath, and it did a very good job, and has lasted through much use. I've used the very same dye on my boots...and even getting them wet..etc. never have had a problem. Save the bottle to touch up scuffs.
 
I've had good luck with the leather dye from the shoe department of Walmart. Black leather dye will also make black G-10 look like new.

Tom
 
I would start by applying some oil leather conditioner such as neats foot oil, castor oil or mink oil, those will condition and darken the leather though they will not necessarily give an even color. I have used leather dye that I buy in Mexico, don't know about USA brands, there are recepies for home made like steel wool in vinegar. There are some fine leather crafters here in the forums, maybe one of them will come in and comment.

Luis
 
You can buy black leather dye, as well as a sealer to put on afterwards, from Tandy or other leather supply. Dye it before applying oil or some other conditioner, since they would likely interfere with the absorbtion of the dye. You'll want to apply at least two coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly, then apply a sealer.
 
A lot of leather waterproofers will darken the leather, and not harm it or rub off on anything else.
 
Like most everyone else said , different oils (neatsfoot etc) will darken it nicely , if you want straight brown the leather dy for shoes works great. I havent had one problem with any sort of corrosion from those dyes.
The brown dye/polish I bought the other day looks nice! sort of a reddish brown , dyed the sheath 4 or 5 times over a few days , after it dried I buffed it with a little beeswax and it looks awesome.
Good luck
 
Thanks guys, I am gonna visit my local wallmart, the shoes care section tommorow.
I will post pictures "before" and "after" when I will be done with it.
 
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