how do i put a patina on my izula

N

nutnfancyfan

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Nov 30, 2009
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alright ive decided to take the plunge and put a patina on my izzy. here is my question, how do i strip the coating, and what do i use to make the patina? thanks
 
Best way I've found for stripping is to get a bottle of liquid acetone and fill up a slim, tall container, submerge the knife for an hour and then use some kind of plastic scrapper to remove the coating.

For patina, I like spicy brown mustard in light coats. If it's too heavy in an area it won't patina, needs oxygen to work.
 
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nutnfancyfan said:
alright ive decided to take the plunge and put a patina on my izzy. here is my question, how do i strip the coating, and what do i use to make the patina? thanks
Click to expand...

Klean Strip or similar chemical stripper from any hardware or big box store. Apply the stripper, wrap in foil, wait 15-20 minutes and go wipe the coating off. The chemical stripper actually gets underneath the coating and lifts it off the metal. No scraping or sanding is required, just simply wipe the coating off. I used a brass brush just to get in to all the odd little corners, jimping, etc.

As for patina, everyone has their methods. I hadn't done it until yesterday and what I did was stab the knife into a block of wood, then apply white vinegar all around the knife with a paper towel. It gave it a gray patina with some odd spots of color here and there. I'd like it to be a solid even gray, but that seems somewhat tough to do at least from what I've read.
 
I'd just buy one at walmart and tie it to the tang of the knife. I hope you have long arms though; because blindfolded kids with baseball bats can be pretty dangerous... oh wait... You said patina, not pinata!

I used CITRISTRIP it did a pretty awesome job. It doesn't pump out toxic fumes either. Though I wouldn't want to get the stuff on me. Once you have the coating off soaking in things like vinegar, citris juices, or just plain chopping up acidic foods should do the job.

God bless,
Adam
 
nutnfancyfan said:
how long should it have the mustard on it?
Click to expand...

That depends on how dark you want the patina to be. Keep in mind, parts with thicker mustard on it will have a lighter patina (less oxygen).

I did mine with white vinegar. Just used a rolled up paper towel, soaked it and wrapped a spiral on my 4. Gave it a very cool stripey/mossy oak camo effect =)
 
While you're waiting until Christmas for that acetone to work, here's a pic of the much beloved, beaten, bashed and abused Pass Around 5 patina.

2n900vk.jpg
 
bomber_man_jj said:
Anyone tried coffee crystals mixed with vinegar to force a patina?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9VCq3jlvEw
Seems to leave a nice color.
Also, is it possible to over do it? Or does it just get darker and darker?
Click to expand...

Sometimes the process of forcing a patina on a knife can cause it to rust. Both patinas and rust are forms of corrosion, but patinas are a healthy layer of protective oxidation of the surface metal that protects the knife from "bad" rust. That's the only way you can over do it as you say.

Also, patinas change with time and use. If you don't like it, sand it off and start fresh... ;)

JGON
 
The blank blades are sand blasted to get the best adheasion from the coating. If you just strip and leave it, it'll rust like a bugger due to the micro pitting from the sand blasting holding moisture.

If your not happy with the patina results you get, try sanding it down a bit and re-applying.
 
it took me a while to figure out that thinner layers work better.

i've only used cheap yellow mustard for doing it, i save the spicy brown stuff for actually eating.
 
Yeah man, sorry about that. I forgot to mention you will almost definitely need a light sanding to get a patina instead of a nice light rust.

God bless,
Adam
 
well i got it done ( finally) the coating has a little bit of red rust, but a lot of dark patina spots. not much of a design, just kinda shades. but i think it looks good. this is my working izzy anyway so looks dont really bother me. no i need to get some scales and a kydex sheath, then il be all set
 
I’m new to the whole patina thing, but before the pic above, I removed the scales from the 5 soaked it in CLP gun oil and took a dish scrubber pad (like a fine scotch-brite) also sprayed with oil and made very gentle passes up and down the length of the whole blade. This evened out the patina some it seems. Now I'll watch it for and pop-ups of red rust.
 
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