BK-16 Suggestions - "Regalia Knife"

5

5thAngel

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Jun 5, 2012
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A while ago, my brother gave me his BK-16 to turn into a "Regalia Knife" for use in Seminole garb for Order of the Arrow ceremonies; I have just gotten to chance to work at it, and wanted to get some suggestions.





My brother stripped the coating, so I'm looking to get the rust off, and suggestions are appreciated.

After that, I am looking at wooden or leather grips for it.

A friend of mine is providing a leather sheath for me.


It's good to be back here, as I work on this project, I anticipate spending a bit more time on the form.


Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I would use mineral oil and fine steel wool. Remove the scales. Rub some mineral oil on and then start lightly rubbing the knife with steel wool. Everything but deep pitting should come right off.

Be mindful of the edge at all times.

Jeremy
 
I buy my mineral oil at the drug store in a big bottle. It is in the laxative section. It is cheap.
 
So, remove the grips, lather and lube the blade, stroke with the steel wool to remove rust, and don't touch the tip (or edge). Got it!

Any recommendations for patinas?
 
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Vinegar if you like an even finish; mustard if you want it to vary.
Or cut a bunch of potatoes, apples and citrus.

I'm partial to wood handles over leather, but never got into OotA. Not sure what would be more authentic in your area. Perhaps bone? Antler?
 
tjswarbrick said:
Vinegar if you like an even finish; mustard if you want it to vary.
Or cut a bunch of potatoes, apples and citrus.

I'm partial to wood handles over leather, but never got into OotA. Not sure what would be more authentic in your area. Perhaps bone? Antler?
Click to expand...

I'll check out some pics for the patinas and see what I like, thanks for the insight on what produces what results.

I'm leaning towards wood for it, though I have not been able to find pictures of Seminoles with knives to clarify the exact type, as that is what I have seen for the general period of mid 1830s - early 1840s.
 
I know it does not answer your questions(s), though others have given sound advice, but that knife sure looks purdy the way it is ... just saying.
 
Yeah, it has a certain character about it now, but I want to protect against rust which is where the patina comes in.

A stonewash has also been recommended, but I don't know if that protects the same way.
 
This is probably an obvious 'yes' question, but would it be the same formula as for gun blue? I just want to make sure that I'm looking at the right things.
 
nope - table salt, peroxide, vinegar, and a pot of boiling water.
heat a cup of peroxide and super-saturate it with salt -- 1/4 cupish
scrub and degrease knife, wipe it down with vinegar, then soak it in the hot peroxide/salt mixture for a few minutes - until it stops foaming
rinse off the foam, then drop the knife in the boiling water for 5 minutes or so.
if it's not dark enough when you pull it out of the water, reheat the salt mix and repeat.
 
Sounds interesting. A lot less chemicals than some of the other things out there. Anyone have pics from their goes at homemade blue?
 
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