Darken stainless?

[borrowed time]

Hey all! Quick question please, is there an "inexpensive" way to darken stainless steel? It's a cheap knife, either 440, or more likely 420. I don't figure bluing will work (will it?) and paint would scrape off. Would lightly burning with propane torch give it a darker, longer term solution?

Thank you!

 

[Knives&Lint]

Ferric Chloride. Look up acid washing or acid etching a knife. You can opt to stonewash after if you wish. That's what I did with the Buck and the SAK (top two) in this pic.

On this Spyderco I left it in the solution for a shorter period of time, then gave it a brushed finish afterwards (not stainless but you get the picture).

 

[elevator man]

Ferric Chloride. Look up acid washing or acid etching a knife. You can opt to stonewash after if you wish. That's what I did with the Buck and the SAK (top two) in this pic.

On this Spyderco I left it in the solution for a shorter period of time, then gave it a brushed finish afterwards (not stainless but you get the picture).

Man that looks cool. Does that weaken or embrittle the steel?

 

[borrowed time]

Thank you! Where can I get that chemical?

 

[killgar]

If you heat a finished blade to the point that it changes color you will ruin the heat treatment/temper.

 

[Richard338]

Search Amazon for "MG Chemicals - 415-4L Ferric Chloride Copper Etchant Solution, 4L Liquid Bottle, Dark Brown".
See if they have a smaller bottle.
Dilute with equal portion of apple cider vinegar.
You can make a tank from PVC pipe and end caps.

 

[Knives&Lint]

Man that looks cool. Does that weaken or embrittle the steel?

Thanks! Not that I know of, but I reckon you wouldn't wanna fall asleep while it's in there . As far as I know this is the standard method, but I'm honestly not really that knowledgeable, just a guy that likes to customize his knives and hacks his way through with some success . I do cover the pivot area and (optional) edge with nail polish and that part turns out unchanged.

Thank you! Where can I get that chemical?

Used to be Radio Shack but now Amazon as mentioned above. There are many tutorials on YouTube and some great info in old threads here that can help much more than my failing memory (TBI in my twenties plus a lifelong love for altered states of mind ). Every time I do a project like this I have to go back, research, and re-learn myself.

 

[Sleepereaper]

Thanks! Not that I know of, but I reckon you wouldn't wanna fall asleep while it's in there . As far as I know this is the standard method, but I'm honestly not really that knowledgeable, just a guy that likes to customize his knives and hacks his way through with some success . I do cover the pivot area and (optional) edge with nail polish and that part turns out unchanged.

Used to be Radio Shack but now Amazon as mentioned above. There are many tutorials on YouTube and some great info in old threads here that can help much more than my failing memory (TBI in my twenties plus a lifelong love for altered states of mind ). Every time I do a project like this I have to go back, research, and re-learn myself.

I’ve done this method back many years ago when RadioShack was still open. Worked good for what I was doing.

 

[borrowed time]

Ferric Chloride. Look up acid washing or acid etching a knife. You can opt to stonewash after if you wish. That's what I did with the Buck and the SAK (top two) in this pic.

On this Spyderco I left it in the solution for a shorter period of time, then gave it a brushed finish afterwards (not stainless but you get the picture).

How do you stone wash? That would look really nice! Thank you

 

[Knives&Lint]

How do you stone wash? That would look really nice! Thank you

Some use a vibratory tumbler, but I do it the poor man's way by just shaking it in a plastic jug (protein shake container). I bought ceramic media from Harbor Freight that I shake it with, but I believe rocks/gravel will work just as well.

Here's a BHQ vid documenting the process:

 

[catspa]

… my failing memory (TBI in my twenties plus a lifelong love for altered states of mind ).

I feel your pain. Who could have predicted back in the day the damage that throttle body injection would inflict on so many? Should have enjoyed the Quadrajet more while I had the chance.

Parker

 

[5thShock]

Just use it, hard. Life has its own patina.