Lots of knifemakers use Fiebing's spirit dyes to bring out the grain in maple. I don't know if it would work on sycamore, but it may be worth a try. I wasn't sure which colors are used, so I found this post on Bladeforums. I gives a brief description of the dyes and process.


jdm61
Registered User

Fiebings spirit based leather dye. Dark brown and light brown are the most common ones used. You totally finish sand the handle and then apply the dye. The spirit based dye does not raise the grain back up like water based stain. Let it dry and rub it up with a rag. Then apply your finish as usual. if the color comes out too dark, you can lighten it up a bit by rubbing it down with 0000 steel wool.