[J.G. Grubbs]

Hi All,

I received my AT1563 today from fellow Forumite Justin Kirck and, although I'm very happy with it, would like to make the grip a more uniform color to match the scabbard. It has been customized by ASA Swordworks to appear battle-worn.(and done very well if fact). My question is, would it be feasible to simply utilize some leather dye judiciously to even out the color or would what I would like to do be more involved? Justin, I hope you don't mind if I borrow one of your pics
Any advise is much appreciated! My apologies to our Mods if this is in the wrong place.

[Sean Flynt]

I just recently used proper leather dye on a strap and was amazed at how easy it was. Why wasn't I using this all along? As long as your grip isn't sealed with wax and the dye is darker than the current color, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to dye it in situ. I got my dye at Trilogy Leather in Homewood, so you might want to see what colors they have in stock before you order any. Might save you some shipping charges.

If the grip is waxed, the simplest solution might be to just remove the wrap and make a new one the exact color you want.

[J.G. Grubbs]

[Jared Smith]

The grip was probably sealed with a Carnuba type cream wax.
You may be able to remove it with a very lightly moistened cloth (saddle soap and moderately hot water), alcohol/ brush. Too much of this and you will de-laminate the glue. I am not sure, because I have not tried to remove it before. It normally lasts for years with minimal maintenance unless you get it soaked several times.

For re-dyeing, the Fiebings alcohol/ analine based leather dyes (institutional/jail grade dyes are water based) work great if you are willing to buff lightly with a dye moistened rag, wait several days for drying between coats to judge color, etc.

[J.G. Grubbs]