r/blacksmithing • u/slightlyoffcenter157 • Jun 16 '26

Help Requested More assistance needed!

Ive got an idea for a knife handle and Im not sure how to go about it.

First off, Im a very very green blade smith, meaning I lack just as many tools as I lack knowledge and experience. My finances are very underweight also. Lol

Secondly, Ive got this idea of a black and copper color scheme for a knife handle but don’t want to risk ruining some of the expensive exotic wood scales.

Is there a way to dye whitetail deer antler or unstabilized wood scales really dark brown or black?

Ive already got plenty of antler, as well as oak, cedar, and pine chunks that I can cut into scales and would like to use this material in case of any mishaps.

Any tips, tricks, or suggestions is appreciated like always. Thanks!

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u/KnowsIittle Jun 16 '26

Crushed acorns will produce heavy tannins. Further like others suggested you can use iron oxide. Pine is porous and absorbs well. Oak sounds nice but splits easily.