ESEE Izula 2 strip and Patina & dyed scales w/ an interesting surprise?

aleforme · Apr 28, 2019

Bought an Izula 2 recently and knew I would be stripping it and dying the scales. I opted not the etch the logos but I think it turned out good. I just did a quick chemical strip on the blade and then did a simple vinegar bath for about 30 minutes. Just wanted to give it some patina protection. There are a couple random discolorations in the steel after the strip and the patina but I knew those would likely show up. Not concerned with a perfect finish.

Pre-Strip

Stripper applied.

Vinegar Bath

Final Product. I already got a few scratches on it trying it out earlier today. I dyed the scales in Rite Dye and some little vinegar. Mixture was probably 75/25 Rite Black to Vinegar? Brought it to a boil and simmered the scales for about 20 minutes and then let them cool down for another hour or so. They didn't turn out pure dark black but rather a darker charcoal which is fine with me. Overall, I'm really happy.

Now the surprise. After stripping and adding the vinegar patina, you can clearly see shadow logos and a different serial number. Very weird. I don't care in the least but just thought it was weird. See below. Sorry about the crappy photos.

Any ideas how this happened? I know these come from a big plate of steel. I guess they had a few messed up prior to cutting and engraving this blade. LOL.

CoryMc · Apr 28, 2019

That’s an 11,842 number difference anyway. Must be a huge plate of steel...

TRfromMT · Apr 29, 2019

I'd bet the knife was rejected by QC after the logo and number was etched, then sent back for rework and renumbered as an automatic process. Just a theory.

aleforme · Apr 29, 2019

CoryMc said:
That’s an 11,842 number difference anyway. Must be a huge plate of steel...

Ha, good point. LOL.

aleforme · Apr 29, 2019

TRfromMT said:
I'd bet the knife was rejected by QC after the logo and number was etched, then sent back for rework and renumbered as an automatic process. Just a theory.

Yeah, that's likely the case. You see if was in a slightly different position. Not a concern but just kinda interesting.

I wonder if this thing is now ultra valuable now that it technically has two serial numbers? Like a misprinted or two headed penny that makes it out of the mint? Years from now this could be the holy grail Izula 2!

Or, maybe not......

TRfromMT · Apr 29, 2019

aleforme said:
Yeah, that's likely the case. You see if was in a slightly different position. Not a concern but just kinda interesting.

I wonder if this thing is now ultra valuable now that it technically has two serial numbers? Like a misprinted or two headed penny that makes it out of the mint? Years from now this could be the holy grail Izula 2!

Or, maybe not......

I'm sure it's just as any other "investment-grade" ESEE in your collection

Back on topic, how do you etch the logos. This is one I just did a similar treatment to. Stripped, tumbled and then patina. I did the patina with vinegar and mustard and really liked it, and I was happy that the logos stayed in tact with almost a silver sheen to them. How do you etch the logo alone (I am not going to do it, just very curious)?

aleforme · Apr 29, 2019

TRfromMT said:
I'm sure it's just as any other "investment-grade" ESEE in your collection

Back on topic, how do you etch the logos. This is one I just did a similar treatment to. Stripped, tumbled and then patina. I did the patina with vinegar and mustard and really liked it, and I was happy that the logos stayed in tact with almost a silver sheen to them. How do you etch the logo alone (I am not going to do it, just very curious)?
View attachment 1119456

Dang, I guess mine is not a grail then. LOL. Such high hopes!

Wow, your 4 turned out great. Love the blade. I might still put some mustard on mine. Maybe do a faux hammon look? Cut a template to cover the blade and apply the mustard to the exposed areas.

Etching seems pretty straight forward but you have to do it before you strip from my understanding I couldn't find any etchant near me so I just decided to skip it. It basically eats metal to make the logo engraving deeper and darker. Another member hear sent me the link below on the process. I have an ESEE 3 coming that I might try the etching on. We'll see.

https://2bitgeek.com/blog/2017/2/26/modified-izula-ii-knife-acid-etched-forced-patina