Can vinegar cause a Tang to weaken?

[TheApprentice]

Hi Guys,

I recently purchased a Karesuando Carbon Steel blade bank. I applied a forced patina by submerging the blade in a white vinegar solution overnight.
Then I installed a custom black walnut handle. The tang broke in two while I was sanding....

You can see the break live at the end of my video https://youtu.be/az9ZjcCY8jI

[/url]Patina by Denis Doiron, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]Knife by Denis Doiron, on Flickr[/IMG]

So do you think It could be my fault?
Or was there a weakness in the steel.
I have done this type of Patina before and have never had this happen....

Thanks,

Denis

 

[cbwx34]

I have done this type of Patina before and have never had this happen....

You probably answered your own question...

You might consider giving the maker (or another maker?) a chance to examine the blade... see if they can figure out what went wrong.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Something is wrong with that blade blank. No way the vinegar would cause that (it would've had to rust completely through, to weaken it that much). To me, at least one clue is that it broke at the hole in the tang, as you mentioned in your video. Either the tang was already weak (bad heat treat/temper, etc) or it was damaged (cracked) when the hole was drilled, or maybe a combination of the two factors. Either way, you're much better off having found the flaw before attempting to use the knife. I'd send it back to the manufacturer to let them know something's really wrong; hopefully they'll replace it (that is, if you even want another one from them). Chalk it up to a lesson learned...


David

 

[john april]

that should not have happened. the tang must have had a crack in it ?