Played with the Rit Dye

[ray1970]

So, I have always hated the khaki grayish color of most of the micarta handles on the ESEE knives. Seems coloring them with Rit dye is the way to go. Took a set off and dyed them brown instead. Just wanted to share pictures.

Before.



And after.

[Irving]

Looks nice. Very even coloring. Was it easy?

[ray1970]

Yes. Very easy. Just mixed the dye with some warm water, tossed them in for 10 minutes, took them out and rinsed them off and let them dry overnight then put them back on.

Nothing to it.

[StagLefty]

Liking it ! mmmm-maybe next project I got at least 10 minutes of spare time.

[spongejosh]

Did you try scratching the back to see how deep the color went? Just wondering how well it would stand up to abuse.

[ray1970]

No. I doubt it penetrated more than several thousandths of an inch but I am guessing it will hold up fine.

If it gets to looking too bad I can just toss it back into the dye.

Besides, I don't really use my knives anyways.

[james_bond_007]

Do you have any guess as to whether it will come off on to your hand (with perspiration) or run if it gets wet ?

Did you have to "set" the color with heat, vinegar, or salt ?

[ray1970]

Do you have any guess as to whether it will come off on to your hand (with perspiration) or run if it gets wet ?

Did you have to "set" the color with heat, vinegar, or salt ?

It should be fine. I rinsed it in warm water until I couldn't see any color coming off it.

The handles are basically some sort of canvas material. I used fabric dye. It will be just fine.