dulling down knife

[jimbowie]

Hi everyone,

I have an AC primitve bowie and it has a polished look to it that I want off, and I figured some steel wool would do the trick, but is there anything else I could do to give it that worn touch that i am looking for. Thanks

 

[bikermikearchery]

Try a bath of lemon juice. On carbon steel it will add a patina with out abrading the steel. Go slow till you get the color you want. If its stainless lemon juice wont due a thing till you eat through the whole blade.

 

[1whitefoot]

I never been a fan of real steel wool but that grey synthetic steel wool is great.
Kind I like is 3M Extra Fine 000.
It'll take off the shine and give it a kinda grey satin finish.
I also like to do it in circles so that scratches don't show up as much,
but straight lines will work if you want.

then if you want, like bikermike says, on carbon steel, use the juice, my preference is vinegar.

 

[jimbowie]

yeah I read about using vinegar before. well, I think what I will do is use the steel wool for a while right now, and then tommorow get out and use the knife so it doesnt look so new. what effct do you think metal polish will have on it?

 

[Tom Krein]

I don't think metal polish is going to give you the look you want. You specifically stated that you don't want a polished look.

I also prefer the 3M scotch bright type pads over real steel wool.

Another option is the Mustard patina. You clean the knife with Windex and then dab mustard all over the blade using the tip of your finger. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes clean the blade to assess how you are doing and repeat as necissary. When you are done rub down the blade lightly with WD-40 and a fine 3M pad. This will help you establish a nice looking protective patina.

Good luck!

Tom

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Steel wool probably won't touch the finish.
Bill

 

[Daniel Moore]

Ferric chloride bath! I've even gotten patinas on stainless knives with high concentrations and long soaks.

 

[jimbowie]

Thanks everyone!