Hey everyone. Just thought I’d drop in a quick how to and show my results recently purchased an RB3 from a member here and I’m now hooked on the knife. I decided to pick up a new one when I found a good price as the one I grabbed from here was used and probably a bit abused (just how I like my Esee knives). Once I got the new one in, I noticed the scales seem noticeably thinner than the old user and much lighter (as micarta darkens with use). I decided to RYT dye the scales of the new one in order to achieve the aesthetic I think would look good. Went with coco brown as I’ve read that you can achieve an oxblood color with the green canvas micarta- based on time and concentration While discussing the RB3 with a friend at work, he asked me to pick him up one for himself and one for his brother for the holidays. Said I could dye his too if mine turned out…. So now I had 3 brand new RB3 knives, coco brown ryt dye, and a day off (Thanksgiving) to experiment while my wife was doing her thing in the kitchen. (She doesn’t allow me in there on holidays- I’d just slow her down). First things first… materials: You’ll need a stainless container, or small aluminum loaf pan as I used, two T15 bit drivers, lock tight (blue), some table salt, dawn dish soap, a way to heat your water, and string or wire, ryt dye and id recommend gloves. Next I microwaved about 12 oz of water in a mug for 4 min. Then added a teaspoon of salt to the pan and about half a teaspoon of dawn to the pan. I poured the water I the pan and stirred. Then I added about an ounce of ryt dye to the water. Stirred again. Stripped the RB3 scales, pre washed them with dawn and tied bankline to the lanyard hole. Dunk time. I gently placed the scales into the murky solution, keeping in mind I wanted them face up in order to absorb the most dye on the outside of the scales. I then set a timer for an hour. At about 45 min I checked the scales and found that my set were a beautiful oxblood, maroon color. I removed, rinsed, washed with dawn and dried. They turned out great in my opinion. Sent the results to my buddy and he has requested I try to get his a bit darker. Back to it… I stripped his RB3, washed his scales and reheated my solution. Without adding anymore dye, I dunked his and set a timer for 1 hour. Removed his at an hour, rinsed til the water ran clear, heated the solution again and dunked again…. Allowing them to sit another whole hour. Then I removed and rinsed with warm water, no dawn on this rinse. Just rubbed the scales until the water remained clear and no additional dye leached out of the fibers. I allowed the scales to dry for about 2 hours. Then washed them with dawn. No dye washed off and it seemed that they were set. These bad boys look so good I may re dunk my set…. tbd. I sent him photos and he is as pleased as I am. I can’t wait to scoop another Esee with the green canvas micarta so I can customize another knife. He’s giving his brother his knife for Christmas- so I’m pretty sure I’ll be dying that one too. I added some pics to show the process and transform. Hope this helps.
