A few years back, I had given my beloved composite blade Leek to my dad as a gift. I knew I would pick another one up from Kershawguy soon enough. When I did I was a bit taken back when opening up the package and not seeing the two tone blade. I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed with the mono-tone look. As much as I told myself I didn't mind it, I wanted the look of the old one.
After trolling through old threads, I seen references made to using PCB solution (from Radio Shack) to darken the D2. Problem is, PCB can be hazardous so I did a bit more research and found a house hold item to do the trick, vinegar. PCB solution will only take a few dips and done but I didn't want to over do the darkening. Vinegar will take a few hours, three at least.
I don't have a before pic, my bad. (A note to all, don't rely on old media) First clean the knife to remove oils, dirt, etc. I used rubbing alcohol.
Place the knife opened in a slender jar upright and add vinegar to cover D2 cutting edge. I would occasionally swirl the knife in the vinegar to remove any bubbles that would form, about every 30 minutes.
Three hours later the two tone look was back, I can't stop flicking the knife open to ponder upon its glory. If you happen to get vinegar on the pivot, be sure to hit it with a little lube.
On a side note, last summer this knife had formed a spotty patina from gardening. I was able to (mostly) remove the patina with some rubbing compound. As an added bonus, the polishing also removed the bead blasted finish too. Down side is the darkening of the D2 also accentuated the patina I had formerly removed. You can only see it in certain light. If anyone out there wants to re-create this look, its near idiot proof.
After trolling through old threads, I seen references made to using PCB solution (from Radio Shack) to darken the D2. Problem is, PCB can be hazardous so I did a bit more research and found a house hold item to do the trick, vinegar. PCB solution will only take a few dips and done but I didn't want to over do the darkening. Vinegar will take a few hours, three at least.
I don't have a before pic, my bad. (A note to all, don't rely on old media) First clean the knife to remove oils, dirt, etc. I used rubbing alcohol.
Place the knife opened in a slender jar upright and add vinegar to cover D2 cutting edge. I would occasionally swirl the knife in the vinegar to remove any bubbles that would form, about every 30 minutes.
Three hours later the two tone look was back, I can't stop flicking the knife open to ponder upon its glory. If you happen to get vinegar on the pivot, be sure to hit it with a little lube.
On a side note, last summer this knife had formed a spotty patina from gardening. I was able to (mostly) remove the patina with some rubbing compound. As an added bonus, the polishing also removed the bead blasted finish too. Down side is the darkening of the D2 also accentuated the patina I had formerly removed. You can only see it in certain light. If anyone out there wants to re-create this look, its near idiot proof.
. Im sure someone around here might chime in though
