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Stag Yellowing Methods
A very classic mind's eye image of 'old stags' is they are quite yellow where they are not dark from bark texture. That mental imagery is the old Sambar stags you could get catalog mail order from the 30's through the 60's. Nowadays, Sambar is not available and grip makers here in the US render stag grips from Elk antler. Elk antler wall is usually quite white in color and bright. So I get asked, how does one yellow up that Elk surface?
There are a few ways... none of which that I am a great fan of or have much practice with. For general appearance, maintenance, and preservation, I much prefer a buffing compound and wax finish done on a machine polisher. But such that one would try for a yellow finish, here's what wisdom I have to relate.
In any case I describe, you start with a a set of elk stags that have a uniformly sanded surface, probably to 400 grit minimally, with no wax or oils applied.
Toast those grips with a propane torch. As you might imagine, you want to use low temperatures / low flame, and a very cautious, light touch to avoid scorching or burning them up.
Dye them with leather coloring. Oil based Fiebings brand, diluted properly and applied with cotton swabs, seems to be the preferred method. Something in a tan color will do the trick.
What not to do:
There's a story out there that John Wayne made some new ivories yellow with tea stain. It's possible that might work, but don't submerge your grips in a bowl of anything. They'd not survive an immersion.
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