forced patina wont take to 1095???

[timfish]

Hey all, I made my first couple knives out of 1095 blanks--although there is alot of room to improve, they turned out OK--but I do have a question about a forced patina using mustard. I have used mustard on several occassions with great results--the first 2 longer knives--took to a mustard patina well, then I made some small neck knives--same steel, same heat treat same tempering--but they did not take to the patina--why?
The only thing I may have done slightly different is that I sanded the little ones to get the heat treating scales off of them--
Why would the larger ones take to a patina and the little ones not? As soon as I learn how to post pictures here,,I will--THANKS for all your help!!

 

[bluecow]

I can't answer your question, but jmho quit faking it. Patina will be earned over time by honest use

 

[eveled]

There has to be some sort of coating or glaze on the metal. Or something wrong with the mustard.

Nothing wrong with forcing a patina. Its just a type of metal finish. Very similar to blueing or browning finish on a firearm.

 

[shane45-1911]

Try thoroughly degreasing the blade with a strong solvent (brake/carb cleaner, etc.). As eveled said above, chances are there is some kind of coating or heavy lubricant on the metal.

Or......it's not 1095. Or it is alloyed with some other stainless or high-chromium steel.

 

[jmh33]

I have used White Vinegar for yrs.. No issues
John

 

[timfish]

Try thoroughly degreasing the blade with a strong solvent (brake/carb cleaner, etc.). As eveled said above, chances are there is some kind of coating or heavy lubricant on the metal.

Or......it's not 1095. Or it is alloyed with some other stainless or high-chromium steel.

THANKS!!!!!!!!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Same thoughts as others have stated: Either the blade is still coated with something (oil, etc.) OR the blades aren't 1095.

1095 is usually VERY quick to take a forced patina using vinegar or anything else acidic. The vinegar content in the mustard should be plenty to get it done. I'd start by making sure the blade is fully clean of all oil, grease, etc.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

1095 with do more than just take a patina....

 

[davek14]

Wrap the blade with one layer of vinegar soaked paper towels and let dry. Amount of layers doesn't seem to matter, letting them dry completely on there seems the key.

 

[shane45-1911]

Just a few of my mustard patina's: