Just a question I have for anyone interested. Some of my favorite folders such as my big case toothpick, are gray, not rusted, but through use have turned gray. I like how these knives look especially after sharpenening you know, a brite edge and dark blade. How do you guys feel about letting your kukuris get in this condition. I don't consider this an error in maintenance, but rather a natural process that actually give rust protection to your blade.
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Gray Khukuri Letting you kuk turn gray
- Thread starter mitch4570
- Start date
- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 12,692
Mitch, almost all of my khuks havd turned gray due to the fact that i use them and don't have access to a power tools to polish them shiny. Plus, like yourself, i like the gray look. As a matter of fact, i generally speed up the graying process once i see that i've rusty spots showing up from my fingerprints or from letting them sit too long in my office (I sell pool supplies, so the chlorine ALWAYS seems to chew up anything metal). Generally, for that shiny gray effect I'll do my best to polish up the blade then I use a mixture of red wine, vingar, and an acidic (but kind of "soapy" feeling) vinyl liner cleaner. Either make a dip pipe from PVC for a uniform look, or wrap it in cloth or paper towels soaked with the solution and get a nice marbled look. Then i neutralize the acid on the blade with baking soda or pH Up pool product (remember, pool guy
) and wipe the blade down with a good coat of baby lotion. They both look really nice, but i'm partial to the marbled look.
To get that "older" kind of pitted look, i use straight muriatic acid with a loose cloth wrap and let it sit for an hour or two. You get a deep gray kind of pitted look. Just remember to do this outside, upwind, and with a mask and gloves. Also, you really have to rub the blade down with a strong base afterwords to counteract the acid or else you will get yellowing and rusting of the blade. Generally, i only use this method on khuks and knives that have already pitted to some degree or ones that i don't mind using for experimentation.
YMMV
Jake
) and wipe the blade down with a good coat of baby lotion. They both look really nice, but i'm partial to the marbled look.To get that "older" kind of pitted look, i use straight muriatic acid with a loose cloth wrap and let it sit for an hour or two. You get a deep gray kind of pitted look. Just remember to do this outside, upwind, and with a mask and gloves. Also, you really have to rub the blade down with a strong base afterwords to counteract the acid or else you will get yellowing and rusting of the blade. Generally, i only use this method on khuks and knives that have already pitted to some degree or ones that i don't mind using for experimentation.
YMMV
Jake
- Joined
- May 28, 2003
- Messages
- 1,815
I agree! The gray surface is great for a working knife - in the field or in the kitchen. It happens naturally over time, but the process can be expedited as you suggest.
I made a real mess once using a paper towel to keep a blade wet with lemon juice, (or vinegar, I forget). The (ugly) pattern of the towel got deeply etched into the blade. Took a lot of elbow grease and abrasive to get rid of it. Now, I use a mixture of red wine vinegar, acetone (just a few drops) and cornstarch, and a drop of dishwashing detergent to make a thin paste that stays on the steel. I apply it with a disposable paint brush and kind-of daub it on to get the marbled look we both like. I bet the same trick would work with lemon juice. I think Dean came up with this strategy. Thanks Dean
I just did the blade of my Ganga Ram Special recently, and plan to make it my main field chopper. The handle is long enough for an (almost) 2 handed grip. I love the ancient look of the blade, too.
I think A. G. Russell's Rust Free is the best blade protector I've found. There is a big fan-base for Balistol on this forum too. I use it a lot. Thanks, Yvsa
I made a real mess once using a paper towel to keep a blade wet with lemon juice, (or vinegar, I forget). The (ugly) pattern of the towel got deeply etched into the blade. Took a lot of elbow grease and abrasive to get rid of it. Now, I use a mixture of red wine vinegar, acetone (just a few drops) and cornstarch, and a drop of dishwashing detergent to make a thin paste that stays on the steel. I apply it with a disposable paint brush and kind-of daub it on to get the marbled look we both like. I bet the same trick would work with lemon juice. I think Dean came up with this strategy. Thanks Dean
I just did the blade of my Ganga Ram Special recently, and plan to make it my main field chopper. The handle is long enough for an (almost) 2 handed grip. I love the ancient look of the blade, too.
I think A. G. Russell's Rust Free is the best blade protector I've found. There is a big fan-base for Balistol on this forum too. I use it a lot. Thanks, Yvsa