Acid-washed blades - yay or nay?

[Otto Carpenter]

Any inherent drawbacks to acid-wash? Obviously it's just a surface treatment, but does that leave the blade open to problems down the line like pitting or rust?

 

[ATJ999]

Not an expert at all, but I think it is a good thing. Just like adding patina to help with corrosion resistance. It adds a layer of black rust so the blade will be more protected from red rust. It is an oxide type layer. Red rust is a " Fe2O or ferric oxide" layer . Stainless steel with high amounts of chromium forms a "chromium III oxide" layer. Black rust is a "Fe3O4 or ferrous ferric oxide" layer.

Now I am not 100% sure, but I think acid wash is similar or maybe the same as black rust. Don't know for sure, maybe someone here can help us clear that up.

 

[22-rimfire]

Never had a problem with corrosion or rusting on a knife I cared about. I like my blades to look "brand new" but of course there will be scratches and so forth with use.

You can form a patina easily by cutting many kinds of fruit (they are acidic) and may protect somewhat against future rust. But I see no point in making a knife look old just for the sake of doing it. But, no, doing an acid wash will not increase the future corrosion of the blade as long as you wipe if off after use.

 

[JR88FAN]

I like acid washed blades, but it's never a thing that makes or breaks a knife I buy....

If you want to look at it as a Patina, then it is a bonus on high carbon steel knives.

 

[Otto Carpenter]

Thanks for the thoughts, all. Acid washed is showing up in so many blades these days - that's why I ask. The overall effect looks good when paired with a contrast - like satin flats, imo.

 

[ourgon]

Because acid wash finish is very easy to do and faster to make than good satin finish. It become very popular way to homemade blade refresh when you've some ugly scratches or you're just bored with manufacture finish. And yes, its +1 for rust resistance.

 

[wensynch]

Hmmm.. interesting.

I wonder if the acid wash is an aesthetic design feature or an actual functional design as another type of coat/treatment to prevent rust, like the black coating? Some slight added rust resistance?

 

[ourgon]

I think thay was more about the look. IMHO acid sw looks better than normal stonewash made on polished blade like Kershaw/ZT is doing.

 

[Otto Carpenter]

Acid wash has a vaguely apocolyptic look about it - or maybe something unearthed from an archeological dig. It's just current fashion in knife design by my reckoning, and not utilized primarily for rust prevention.