antler dyeing

[Travis Fry]

I've got axis antler out the wazoo. It's great, but it's really white inside. I was thinking about getting some dyed professionally to a really dark shade of amber/brown like is sometimes done to sambar. I like the way the the stuff Bruce Bump uses a lot looks. Anyone know of a good place to send some?

 

[12345678910]

This is the place Bruce B uses


http://www.knifehandles.com/stag-horn-and-bone/amber-stag-enhancement

 

[johnny warner]

Why not purchase a bottle of Light Brown and Medium Brown Fiebings leather dye and try dyeing a few pieces yourself. You might be surprise yourself!

 

[VaughnT]

Care to trade for some? I have a good number of southern whitetail antlers, but not much worth a knife handle, imo.

I wouldn't be interested in any that are fresh from your wazoo, but...

As for dying, I'd have to think that you could do it on your own with some dye. I regularly soak antler to soften it (three days in a bucket of water and you can whittle it like wood) and it really absorbs water. The longer I leave it in, the more of the brown that comes off (this is just a stain from the bucks rubbing against trees). A bit of dye in the water would seem to do very well in penetrating through the antler.

I keep thinking of trying some strong coffee to get that brown color. Maybe some coffee and some iron filings and vinegar to act as a mordant....

 

[BrianBoyles]

I soak my antlers in Potassium permanganate.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I must be picky but have never been satisfied with any dyed antler other than Culpeppers amber dye job. I spent money on everything above and still go back to them. $25 per pound, about a month wait and postage both ways. Still worth it to me.