Types of wood used for Victorinox scales..

[sergemaster]

Amici,
What type of hardwood is used to scale the new versions of the Swisschamp? I know that Rosewood is is used on the so-called "higher end" versions, but what about the scales with the Victorinox emblem seared onto the scale escapes me. I'm thinking possibly Teak but I'm not sure.

Reason I'm asking is what I would like to do is darken it up a little, but I need to know the wood type so I know what would be the proper soluton to use to so so.

Cheers,
Serge

[jerseydevil]

There are a couple of ways that the scales could be darkened, not necessarily with a "solution". The first step would be to sand any clearcoat that is on the scales (never handled a wood-scaled SAK, not sure what they're finished with). After making sure the scales are clean and dust-free, step two would be to apply a light coat of a heavy bodied pigmented stain or gel stain. Zar and Old Masters are the companies that come to mind right away. A heavy bodied glazing stain such as that made by Mohawk would work too. Apply the stain, then wipe it off with a rag. Repeat to taste. Step Three would be to seal the scales using either a polyurethane or a lacquer. You're in Jersey, right? PM me and I'll see what I can do, might be able to get you very small quantities of any of the products I mentioned.

[J Mackrel Jones]

Heard that this lighter wood is bobinga.

[MeadMaker]

Many hardwoods resist staining so most of the conventional stains on the market won't change their color much.  Glazes can help, but if you are going to carry this particular SAK chipping will be an issue.  When glazes chip it is very noticeable because the lighter wood underneath is exposed.

You could use an aniline dye stain.  They will effectively darken most hardwoods and are available in a wide variety of colors.  Another advantage of dye stains is their clarity.  Regular pigmented stains cloud the look of the wood, aniline dyes do not.

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip32.html