Snakeskin + Oil Problem, Need Help

Balislinger

Balislinger

Joined
Nov 11, 2003
Messages
6,787
Hey guys, I'm working on a Badger, my first strip and satinize job. The knife has really nice snakeskin scales. On the light side, but nice variation of color. From what I had read here on the forum, adding mineral oil to the scales brings out the richness of the colors. I wanted them to "pop" more, so I put on some mineral oil.

Well they became really dark, almost black. They went from tan/beige/green/yellow swirling, to black with some red. And after 24hrs of drying time, they still look about the same.

Will the color lighten back up some with time, and if, so, how long does it take? Do I need to scrub them again with soap to lighten them back up?
If I can get this oil off, is there anything I can use on them that will bring out the richness of the colors, but not darken them so darn much? Thanks
 
it will eventually dry out. give it a few days before you start scrubbing them.

just use less next time.
 
George, If you dont like the look with the oil it will come right off with a little dish detergent and warm water.

I have oiled my snakeskinslabs before too and thats what they did, I didnt like it either so I washed it off. Came right off no problem.

BTW good luck on you project and I hope it turns out well for you.
 
The only thing I've seen that will make the colors in micarta pop permanently is Birchwood Casey Tru Oil - all the Black Tiger (tigerhide micarta/black crinkle coating)GWs I've seen have been treated with it or some other Tung oil/Linseed oil concoction. There are pictures around this site somewhere.
BUT...personally, IMHO I wouldn't do it because (1) it's really permanent, and can get too dark or cloudy with too thick a coat, and (2) it changes the feel of the micarta grips. Better to let the skin oil and sweat from hard use darken and color it over time; you can always return it to its original state with soap and water and an old toothbrush.
Good Luck and Best Wishes!
"Bloody Bill"
 
Last edited:
MORIMOTOM said:
it will eventually dry out. give it a few days before you start scrubbing them.

just use less next time.
Click to expand...

What Mark said, it will dry out in a few days and you may like that look.

Or you can take it out real easy and apply less next time....like others have said.

Soap and water works good, but I use a gun degreaser and a Q-Tip. It will take it right out as you rub it over the micarta. If you touch the steel with the degreaser make sure and oil the steel as it will take any oil off that is protecting the balde.
 
Oil is for tigerhide, not snakeskin. NEVER snakeskin. It's already bright enough no matter which batch you get. They changed the resin colors quite well in snakeskin micarta.

Oil your tiger, keep your snake dry. ;)
 
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