How To Ferric chloride question

[Tafkaag]

I know blued carbon steel blades aren't food safe, but is say a 12C27 neck knife food safe if darkened by FC?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Carbon steel has been used for kitchen knives for a thousand years. No wonder we all die!
Bluing is simply an oxidation of the surface. If it's clean, it's safe.

 

[Tafkaag]

Unfortunately that's not an answer to the question: is a ferric chloride-darkened stainless blade safe for food use or not?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Of course it is, if you wash the ferric chloride off of it!

 

[Tafkaag]

Fair enough. Thanks.