Onions?

[peter nap]

I saw on a place advertising Wootz, that they recommended onion to give it a nice patina. No other information. Anyone ever used onions to blacken steel. Do you boil it or rub it on or just let the steel smell it?

 

[L6steel]

This is interesting. I've never used an onion to intentionally darken steel but I made a large kitchen knife for a friend who cut an onion with it and it ended up with blueish black spots all over it. The blade was L6. Be worth checking out.

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!

 

[C L Wilkins]

Hey Michael!

Maybe that's the secret to how all those boys in Montana get those neat looking colors in their damascus! LOL!

C Wilkins

 

[Steve45]

I know from experence that onions will turn 5160 and 52100 a splotched blue and black that won't rub off but did wear off with regular use. I bet it would give a nice patina though oh yea it did the same to M10 tool steel.

 

[peter nap]

Well, I've gotta try it now. I think I'll see what it does to 5160 tonight. I'll let you know.

 

[vaquero57]

I heard of guys soaking their blades in a jar of mayonaise for a day. That supposedly turns blades the pluish antique look. Cory

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing

 

[Harry Jensen]

Lime juice! Wipe off sludge every couple hours, & don't use leftovers for margaritas!