How do you get an even patina?

R.C.Reichert · Jul 12, 2009

Hello, I'm looking for that nice even grayish blade finish look. I find though that whenever I go to dunk my blades into the vinegar, I get splotchy areas that are lighter or darker than the rest of the blade. So I'm just wondering what you guys do to prep a blade for a nice even patina. Do you use acetone or anything like that to clean the blade prior? Also, what grit finish looks the best with this type of patina? Thanks!

silver_pilate · Jul 12, 2009

I use isopropyl alcohol. It seems to evaporate more cleanly than acetone without leaving residue. I don a pair of nitrile gloves, spray the blade down liberally with alcohol, and wipe clean with a disposable shop towel, avoiding any smudges. Any oil or residue will alter the etch.

--nathan

Jason Fry · Jul 12, 2009

I've had decent luck wiping the blade down with acetone, then washing it in dish soap and water. Either one by itself still leaves splotches.

JasonSCarter · Jul 12, 2009

I've always got an even etch by scrubbing the blade with isopropyl alcohol, and a clean papertowel. then either suspending the blade in the bath. or stand the blade on edge.

Jason

Dixieblade57 · Jul 12, 2009

Beware of what you use to suspend the blade in the bath. I use a PVC tube with a foot on it . I did a blade recently and the wire I used to suspend in the tube which I thought was SS, reacted to the etch, and little grains of it begin to tumble down the tube it was suspended in. When the hit the blade it reacted with the blade and etched tiny grooves into the blade itself. It came out more etched that I wanted.

R.C.Reichert · Jul 12, 2009

Thanks for the advice. At my work they have a bunch of those lens cleaning wipes for safety glasses. They are isopropyl alchohol and theroretically should not leave any residue (considering their for glass lenses). I think I'l give those a try.

Raymond Richard · Jul 12, 2009

R.C.Reichert said:
Hello, I'm looking for that nice even grayish blade finish look. I find though that whenever I go to dunk my blades into the vinegar, I get splotchy areas that are lighter or darker than the rest of the blade. So I'm just wondering what you guys do to prep a blade for a nice even patina. Do you use acetone or anything like that to clean the blade prior? Also, what grit finish looks the best with this type of patina? Thanks!

Not sure if anyone answered your question. Depending on what your after going over a blade with steel wool, metal polish, or the fine scotch bright abrasive will all work.

What type of patina do you have in mind? If its something that is just sitting on the surface go light and easy.

Fred.Rowe · Jul 12, 2009

If you do multiple submersion's in ferric chloride, soak time around one minute, then take the blade out, clean in water, scrub with 0000 steel wool, rinse and re submerge. Do this until you get the look you are after.
When you have the finish you are after, dip in TSP or coat with baking soda and clean with a tooth brush. Doing it in this fashion produces a very clean smooth finish.

Fred

R.C.Reichert · Jul 12, 2009

Fred.Rowe said:
If you do multiple submersion's in ferric chloride, soak time around one minute, then take the blade out, clean in water, scrub with 0000 steel wool, rinse and re submerge. Do this until you get the look you are after.
When you have the finish you are after, dip in TSP or coat with baking soda and clean with a tooth brush. Doing it in this fashion produces a very clean smooth finish.

Fred

That sounds like exactly what I'm after. Just like the blade in your avatar picture...or Raymond Richard's knives in his avatar picture. A nice even gray luster that almost looks like something you would expect on a finely aged blade. I love the way that finish looks on a knife. I can't seem to find any Ferric Chloride anywhere up here in Alberta, but they do sell Muriatic acid for use in swimming pools. Would that work as well?

Raymond Richard · Jul 13, 2009

R.C.Reichert said:
That sounds like exactly what I'm after. Just like the blade in your avatar picture...or Raymond Richard's knives in his avatar picture. A nice even gray luster that almost looks like something you would expect on a finely aged blade. I love the way that finish looks on a knife. I can't seem to find any Ferric Chloride anywhere up here in Alberta, but they do sell Muriatic acid for use in swimming pools. Would that work as well?

Muratic acid should work just fine. I've never tried it. When I see fumes it makes we not want to use it. Before I would tried it I would dilute it probably 4 to 1 and then just keep the blade in it for a few seconds. Actually I would be more inclined to give a vinegar etch a try before the muratic acid. If you do try the muratic do it outside and don't breath the fumes.

R.C.Reichert · Jul 13, 2009

Raymond Richard said:
Muratic acid should work just fine. I've never tried it. When I see fumes it makes we not want to use it. Before I would tried it I would dilute it probably 4 to 1 and then just keep the blade in it for a few seconds. Actually I would be more inclined to give a vinegar etch a try before the muratic acid. If you do try the muratic do it outside and don't breath the fumes.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Absolutely love your blades by the way.