if you have sealed it well it might be ok but if it gets wet then it might start to turn. i work with oak all day and when the mixture of swet on my hands, oak and metal tools turns my hands black for days if it does start to go try the pickling tip i said first and see if you like it it can give a good look but if you have oiled it it might not work so well. if its going to be a practical working knife then i dont think it matters realy i would keep it on