Turning Black Tiger GW back to Regular Tigerhide

w.t. anderson

w.t. anderson

Joined
Aug 2, 2007
Messages
1,743
Evening to All,
I've got a two-parter:
1. Was the Black Tiger GW ever made with a regular untreated tigerhide micarta (I've only seen those that seem treated with tung oil or some gunstock finish)?
2. Is it possible to remove this coating and return the tigerhide micarta to its lighter-colored untreated state? How?
Thanks for any and all information and advice!
"Bloody Bill"
 
Did you buy this from Busse or someone else?

I don't have the one you speak of, but have never heard of Busse treating the scales.
 
Perhaps yours has oiled scales? That's one way to darken them.

Might be able to remove the oil with dishwashing soap, warm water, and a nice plastic scrubber.
 
For what it's worth, I have the stock scales on the painted blade GW. For some reason, I rubbed the scales with a piece of brown leather and voila, The dye in the leather seems to have been absorbed by the scales. Don't know how long it will last but the scales have taken on a orangeish hue.
 
Ken44 said:
I don't have the one you speak of, but have never heard of Busse treating the scales.
Click to expand...

Ken, I believe that Busse sometimes oils #13 LE (in tiger hide) for the web page pic. That's the only one I know that might be "treated."

Like OP said, just warm soapy water will return them to the lighter shade.
 
From what I remember, all the black tiger GWs had a "glaze" of some sort on the tiger scales.

The couple that I had, seemed to have this glossy look to them...
unlike any of the other tigerhide I have.

But to your point... not sure if it will come off, or if it's all the way thru the micarta. :confused:

I would try soapy water... if no luck, try WD-40. It's never hurt any of my micarta users. :thumbup:

.
 
I have read that one I the reasons Micarta and G10 are used is because they DON'T absorb substances. Try the hot, soapy water idea, then come back to tell us how it worked.
 
The MOAB came with the sealed old school TH scales. I've never thought of stripping them, but would think that acetone or paint stripper would work. I believe that the Micarta can stand up to it. I'm sure some of the Hogs who have removed the coating can confirm that it won't be damaged.
Of course, you could just ring up Wauseon and ask them what the best method would be to remove the shiny coating.

Good luck with your mod!

∞
 
Thanks for your comments - the GWs I'm referring to have a black blade coating and tigerhide micarta that has been sealed, not just temporarily oiled, with something like Tru-oil or gunstock finish - I think I got mine from Lil' Foo; I also seem to remember both IdahoSkunk and Dennis in MA writing something about treating these handles with Birchwood Casey Tru Oil in BF a year or two ago. I'm not sure I could use paint stripper without removing the black blade coating which I want to keep intact to match my Black Tiger AD.
Best Wishes to All,
John AKA "Bloody Bill"
 
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You could take some stripper gel and very carefully put it on just the scales with a paint brush.After it sets for a while scrub it down under hot water and soap,the stripper that gets on the finish when you wash it off should not be in contact long enough to hurt.
 
B/C Tru-Oil does indeed darken/brighten Tigerhide. And I think Gunscrubbah or brake cleaner would take it off pretty easy w/o killing the crinkles.
 
Thanks again to everyone for their comments. I'll post before and after pix when I get it done (may take awhile to get to it).
Best Wishes to All,
"Bloody bill"
 
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