Darken metal spalting?

Pretty sure if you wrap the blade in cap gun rolled caps to a thickness of 1" and hit it with a cinderblock you will get darkening of the blade. Also works with matchbox cars stuffed with caps. Ymmv and wear earplugs.




Btw totally farsical above. Don't really try this, just reminiscing about the 80s.
 
Since I happen to have all the required stuff available on the kitchen counter for an experiment, why not do it. I just got a new Wusthof 200 anniversary set from KSF and needed to force a patina on it. Our dog, has a drain tube in his ear (strange story) and so I had some Hydrogen Peroxide that we use to clean the tube area each time we uncap it and drain the fluids. So, experiment I did!

I can affirmatively say that Hydrogen Peroxide (Topical Solution (3%), table salt (kosher), and carbon steel (Wusthof) will not explode violently when sprayed on a knife at the kitchen table in Kansas. Very unscientific, but hey, I got pictures. I didn't like the look, so I wrapped it in a paper towel, poured on some vinegar, and let it sit a while (15 minutes). I liked that look.

Here's the photos:


The ingredients:
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bubbling peroxide and salt.

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Vinegar Process in action. (Goldfish are not required, but a nice touch)

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Final (it's darker than it looks like in the picture.)

IMG_1720-X3.jpg
 
Ok reporting back... I did a very thin layer of the hydrogen, salt, vinegar then boil for 15 minute technique

I could have layered it more to make a darker layer but here's the before

Original from knives ship free
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What happened after I polished some rust spots


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After explosive poison bath

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I may do two to three more treatments to darken it more


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Wow. Great job. Did you tape the blade face?

Yes but I still needed to do some touch up after as some seeped under... I also used petroleum jelly on the spine and anywhere I didn't want the metal to discolor.. worked moderately well but still needed a little polishing touch up


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