Help getting a nice dark grey Patina on ESEE 1095 and Survive! cpm3v

[olybears57]

Hey guys, I'd love some tips on getting a nice dark grey patina on 1095 and cpm 3v. Thanks in advance for the hints everybody!

 

[Honed_Edge]

Look Here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/984694-Naval-Jelly-Patina

And Here
http://www.henkelcamsds.com/pdf/553472_235119_Loctite_Naval_Jelly_Rust_Dissolver.pdf
The most important thing to note is phosphoric acid, maybe the sulfuric acid plays a small role.



Bivalent metals like iron (metals with two valence electrons) can give up those electrons and become positive metal cations with a charge of 2+. The acid dissociates into H+ ions and PO4- ions. The iron gives up electrons to the H+ ions making hydrogen gas. Now the Fe2+ ions react with the phosphate PO4- ions making iron phosphate. Fe3(PO4)2


Reactants.....3Fe................+................ ....6(H+)............................+............ .....2(PO4)3-
..............Iron from knife.................Hydrogen ions from acid..........................phosphate ions from acid


Next...........3(Fe)2+..............+............. ........3(H2)........................+............ ......2(PO4)3-
..............Iron ions...................................Hydrogen gas.............................phosphate ions from acid

Now the oxidized iron ions (Fe2+) combine with the phosphate ions(PO4)3- making iron phosphate Fe3(PO4)2.


This is the dark color that your wanting. I think other methods like mustard or vinegar, anything acidic, can leave a less consistent color. However, you may want that look. Google image search "carbon patina", click the picture you like, click visit this page and read how they did it.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

3v has enough chromium to resist most conventional patina application. I won't venture a guess since I've never used that steel. I can say for certain that hot vinegar will stain d2 which I'm sure you know, has even more chromium. Didn't get an even patina though.

Hot white vinegar will work fine on your 1095. Just don't get it under the scales, or even better, remove them while doing it.

 

[Honed_Edge]

I didn't see you mentioned cpm 3v. Luckily Strigamort reads more carefully. Have a look here.

http://www.bushcraftliving.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3824
This guy got a dark 3v patina, but it took a week in vinegar.

 

[olybears57]

Thanks for the advice guys.