Elk Antler Dog Chew Experiment

[herbva]

After reading Reverand's earlier post about using elk antler dog chews for knife scales I had to give it a shot, particularly since I've used up a fair part of my sambar stash. This Remmy 365 came to me in a lot of knives that I won in a recent, large, proxybid knife collection auction. The scales had previously been removed and otherwise the knife showed no signs of ever having been used. Stewart and Ritchie's book on Remington knives indicates that the R365 was made from 1920 to 1940 and only with celluloid scales. I think I may have gotten the dye a bit too dark, but am otherwise happy with my first elk hunting adventure. Thanks for the tip Reverand!

[Beavertail]

She's a beauty!!!

[BIGHEAD]

Herb try not dying anything until the scales are on the knife (you may have) Also try thinning the scales a bit more I think you will find better results.
Not trying to tell you how or what to do just giving another angle from a knife guy who also works on them.

[rea1eye]

I like the dark color. Great job!

Bob

[edge213]

After reading Reverand's earlier post about using elk antler dog chews for knife scales I had to give it a shot, particularly since I've used up a fair part of my sambar stash. This Remmy 365 came to me in a lot of knives that I won in a recent, large, proxybid knife collection auction. The scales had previously been removed and otherwise the knife showed no signs of ever having been used. Stewart and Ritchie's book on Remington knives indicates that the R365 was made from 1920 to 1940 and only with celluloid scales. I think I may have gotten the dye a bit too dark, but am otherwise happy with my first elk hunting adventure. Thanks for the tip Reverand!

Herb, I think the dark color is very attractive.
I don't much care for the thickness.

[Reverand]

A beautiful handful of cutlery!
I have not tried dying the elk. I typically like the contrast between the dark outer layer and the white inner layer, but yours has me rethinking that!
Elk antler is very close in appearance to Stag in my opinion. I love using it.

[Madmarco]

I think it looks great, Herb, and the dark color I also find quite attractive.
With each knife you post I gain more confidence in what we'll see when you've completed those project knives we've been discussing, IMO your maker/restorer skills go well beyond what you give yourself credit for.
Beautiful work, buddy!

[Rockingkj]

Magnesium permaginate (spelling?) in solution is a good option to darken elk or bone. Goes on purple and when dry a nice brown, repeat application for darker shade. Stains fingers brown real well too if you don’t take precautions.

[Bill DeShivs]

It's potassium permanganate.

[eveled]

I like a thick knife, I think it came out great. All it needs now is some pocket time.

[herbva]

Herb try not dying anything until the scales are on the knife (you may have) Also try thinning the scales a bit more I think you will find better results.
Not trying to tell you how or what to do just giving another angle from a knife guy who also works on them.

Thanks for the input BH. I did the dying last, with scales on, after thinning them quite a bit, but I do think I should have taken a bit more off. I'm going to try that, and the potassium permangenate next time.

[1967redrider]

Nice save, can't wait to see it on Sunday!

[doglegg]

Herb, I think it looks great. I kinda like the thick stag. And the color as well.

[BIGHEAD]

Herb try not dying anything until the scales are on the knife (you may have) Also try thinning the scales a bit more I think you will find better results.
Not trying to tell you how or what to do just giving another angle from a knife guy who also works on them.

Thanks for the input BH. I did the dying last, with scales on, after thinning them quite a bit, but I do think I should have taken a bit more off. I'm going to try that, and the potassium permangenate next time.

Thought about my post and it may have not been typed the way I intended. What I was saying about thinning and waiting to dye. Is that if the stag is thinner there will be less white on the ends to color as it wont have to be hafted as much therefore making it easier. Is all I was trying to say. Typing stuff down dont always come off as it would in a conversation

[Rockingkj]

It's potassium permanganate.

Thanks for the correction of the name. Typing from a fallible memory.

[herbva]

Herb try not dying anything until the scales are on the knife (you may have) Also try thinning the scales a bit more I think you will find better results.
Not trying to tell you how or what to do just giving another angle from a knife guy who also works on them.

Thanks for the input BH. I did the dying last, with scales on, after thinning them quite a bit, but I do think I should have taken a bit more off. I'm going to try that, and the potassium permangenate next time.

Thought about my post and it may have not been typed the way I intended. What I was saying about thinning and waiting to dye. Is that if the stag is thinner there will be less white on the ends to color as it wont have to be hafted as much therefore making it easier. Is all I was trying to say. Typing stuff down dont always come off as it would in a conversation

I understood exactly what you were suggesting BH, and I do really appreciate the suggestion. I'm used to working with the thinner stag (deer antler) slabs that come already cut to a thinner size (and are a lot more expensive). I just ordered a jar of potassium permangenate crystals, which I guessing will last a lifetime. Just to make up a small amount of the solution that will be enough for one knife, roughly how much do I need to add to how much water?

[jw517]

It's potassium permanganate.

If you mix it with glycerin it bursts into flames. Just sayin.

[BIGHEAD]

Thanks for the input BH. I did the dying last, with scales on, after thinning them quite a bit, but I do think I should have taken a bit more off. I'm going to try that, and the potassium permangenate next time.

Thought about my post and it may have not been typed the way I intended. What I was saying about thinning and waiting to dye. Is that if the stag is thinner there will be less white on the ends to color as it wont have to be hafted as much therefore making it easier. Is all I was trying to say. Typing stuff down dont always come off as it would in a conversation

I understood exactly what you were suggesting BH, and I do really appreciate the suggestion. I'm used to working with the thinner stag (deer antler) slabs that come already cut to a thinner size (and are a lot more expensive). I just ordered a jar of potassium permangenate crystals, which I guessing will last a lifetime. Just to make up a small amount of the solution that will be enough for one knife, roughly how much do I need to add to how much water?

I mix just a small amount (scientific measurements) in a cup with just enough water to stir it around then use my finger to rub it on. Try with a scrap piece first just to see what it does.

[Bill DeShivs]

I mix potassium permanganate with water until the solution is saturated-you can't get any more to dissolve. You will probably still need multiple applications.
I use a Q-tip. If you use your finger, the finger will be brown for a long time! Latex gloves are handy, because this stuff seems to get everywhere.
You can let the mixture dry out and then re hydrate it as needed.

[Bushfire]

You could give it a very delicate sanding with a light gauge steel wool to replicate the rubbing effect of a deer to bring out some white. Otherwise beautiful job sir.

[BIGHEAD]

I mix potassium permanganate with water until the solution is saturated-you can't get any more to dissolve. You will probably still need multiple applications.
I use a Q-tip. If you use your finger, the finger will be brown for a long time! Latex gloves are handy, because this stuff seems to get everywhere.
You can let the mixture dry out and then re hydrate it as needed.

Oh I wear gloves

[BIGHEAD]

Here is one I did with a Dog Chew. The customer didn’t want ends burnt or colored. I think it turned out good leaving the white.

[OLDE CUTLER]

I have bought this material sold at our local flea market as dog chews for years and it works great. The dealer I buy from has large boxes of it, so I select the straightest and darkest pieces.

[edge213]

95D1B2D6-3384-4E52-A303-185F0110E5E9.jpeg
Here is one I did with a Dog Chew. The customer didn’t want ends burnt or colored. I think it turned out good leaving the white.

This looks great. I really like the white around the edges on elk handles.