Creating a patina...

A while ago, I soaked an Old Hickory knife, just the blade, (I thought) in vinegar. The wood slabs soaked up the vinegar and part of them turned almost black. I ended up soaking the handle to even out the dark color. The wood will soak up whatever you put it in.
 
okay, good to know. Anything i can use without removing the haft? Im new to axes and still didn't even get to think about replacing the handle on one yet, so i don't really know how hard or easy it is yet to take off and put back on. Im sure its easy enough to make a new one, but if i removed the head, i might have to make a new one right? not put the old one back on?
 
it would be easier if i can just dunk the head and the haft in something that wont hurt it, ya know? Its brand new, so Id rather not take off if I don't need to.....

dave
 
d.weglarz13 said:
it would be easier if i can just dunk the head and the haft in something that wont hurt it, ya know? Its brand new, so Id rather not take off if I don't need to.....

dave
Click to expand...

I would rule out any soaking. if you strip paint and want a patina itd have to be something you can just apply to the head otherwise you risk friggin up the handle.
 
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This was done with hot vin. for about 6 hours...not uniform, but I've gotten better results with the same process, but different knives.
 
here's a method i found on here somewhere with my own laziness added in

wash head to remove oils. (any degreaser(simple green))
pour apple cider vinegar into a pot and bring to simmer
use a cotton ball rapped on a stick as a paint rush (i like those sponge paint brushed)
when done, rinse under running water to neutralize the acid

few tips
don't cheap out on the vinegar.
keep the passes even and quick. lingering leads to unevenness.
be careful when rinsing off so you don't mess up the coat . alot of water at once helps.

you don't have to remove the handle with this and you can control where and how dark the patina will be. although it is really tricky for an even coat. the hot vinegar works really quick.
 
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not a problem. no idea why i tried explaining it. i just couldn't find the bookmark till after i typed it all up.
 
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