Stripping, shaping, and patina on a Ranger Shiv

[RustyFenrir]

So I've been thinking about buying a OKC Ranger Shiv lately, to mod it into a little bushcrafty knife.

I was wondering if any of you have experience stripping Ranger knives coating? Probably any old paint stripper will do but I thought I might as well ask first.

I recently tried a patina on my Opinel with mustard but I'd like something a bit more uniform... mine came out splotchy, and I'm guessing that was from the difficulty of getting an evenly spread coat. All the sections that had a thinner coat came out darker.

I'd also like to try shaping parts of it to give it a more worn or less tactical/aggressive look. Not sure what parts though - possibly the jimping, as I've read that it's quite sharp. Will good old sandpaper do the trick? I've also heard people talk about using files to do work on knives. I have no experience buying/using one though.

One more thing: I like the idea of a wrapped handle using leather cordage instead of paracord, but it seems that leather promotes rusting. What about synthetic leathers? Would they be any better, or at least different?

(pic borrowed from Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop)

 

[EricFallkniven]

hey dude, as far as getting an even patina goes, try saturating a paper towel or moist towelette in vinegar and wrapping the knife in that. I did that on my opinel and it darkened the whole thing pretty evenly.