coloring a stainless steel blade

[RescueRiley]

Hi, I'm new to this part of the forums I'm usually over tin the survival forum.. I have kind of a dumb question but one of the guys on the survival forum said if anyone could answer it it could be you guys... I've seen (on the forums ) alot of cats customize there carbon blades (patina, or blueing them...etc) but I was just curious if there is anyway to color a stainless blade (without damaging the corrosion resistant properties) I understand this might be difficult or impossible as the steel is called "Stainless" but it's something I'd like to do so i figured i'd ask....Thanks,

 

[GibsonFan]

RR, we gotta stop meeting like this, people will talk!

I put this in W&SS too: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00917288000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
$150 for a Craftsman powder-coating kit... anyone use one of these?

 

[Matt Shade]

There aren't really any chemicals that you etch stainless with all that effectively, at least not as easily or safely as carbon steel.

Stainless will take on oxidation colors from heat. Generally you have to be at or above the temperature you would temper the steel for a knife blade at to get very much color, which means taking a chance on screwing with the heat treat. Its also not very durable, and will wear off fairly easily.

The best option is probably a coating. There are several different choices. Gunkote is fairly user friendly, from what I've read and can be had in alot of different colors. The downside is it involves heat which will damage most handle materials. There are also some other coatings available, mostly black, that some folks here are using. If you search this forum for coatings, you will probably find alot of reading and some ideas try.

 

[Matt Shade]

Take a look at this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451644

Looks like Scott is using it with the handle already attached, and doesn't appear to need any heat. Might be worth a try.

 

[SR_matt]

Powder coat will color is well but i definatly think with normal knife use it will really bad.

-matt

 

[mtnsct]

Rescue,
check out tis link and scroll down to "stainless steel". You might find an answer. http://www.robarguns.com/additional_finishes.htm

 

[RescueRiley]

This has been very helpful and informative...Thank you for your help...a gentle man on the survival forum also reccomended etching fluid to develop a patina appearance on the blade.. So far everything people have come up with is great Thanks!!!

 

[the possum]

Rustoelum spray paint! Perfect for a user because you can always have it looking just like new again in 5 seconds!