Forced patina help

M

mtnbst

Joined
Apr 17, 2020
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I kept getting rust spots on my 52100 steel PM2. Got to the point that I didn't want to carry it, constantly worried it would eventually start pitting. What a waist, a beautiful paramilitary 2 spring in a drawer. So eventually I wasn't having it anymore, so I forced a mustard patina on the blade. It seemed to work, I don't mind the minor variations it produced on the blade, but I absolutely hate the DARK spots. Any suggestions on getting a more consistent finish on the blade? Thanks in advance
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Hot vinegar. I use a tall, thin container (such as a pill bottle) and heat it in a microwave. About 30 - 45 seconds for a small bottle. If it forms gas bubbles on the blade it's hot enough. Leave the blade in about 30 seconds. Rinse, dry, and buff with 0000 steel wool.
 
Try using rubbing alcohol or similar to clean any oil or residue off the blade, then force the patina. You should get a more uniform finish that way
 
I think as long as you wipe it down bat the end of the day a little surface rust won't make for pitting. I've been carrying a carbon steel slip joint every day for almost 2 years. Evey once in a while on a muggy day I'll have a bit of surface rust, it wipes right off and there's never been any pitting. I think you're in more danger leaving it unattended in a drawer somewhere, that stuff needs to be used and you'll wind up with a better patina if you carry and use it every day.
 
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