Patina, not sure how to feel.

No “soul” or character for knives, but attention is definitely something that can be bestowed on a knife by its owner—not really healthy to do so, but such objects can become imbued with power by the user, and this could be perceived by another collector if he was inclined to.

 

I kept a good oil coat on my knives some I am more ok with the formation of a patina then others. I carry and use my Queen Abalone Tiny Toothpick in D2 but I do think a patina on that blade wouldn't look at wonderful. My Opinel though would definitely look better with a patina however I still oil the blade but I might not avoid certain tasks with it that are more likely to speed up the patina process while I do avoid such with my Queen.

 

I love the appearance of patina on my blades. For me, if it’s a user, it’s to much work to keep the blades looking pristine. Its kind of funny, non knife people are intrigued by a colorful patina.

 

Here's a thought.
Say a knife was only used once to cut a piece of fruit, a carbon steel blade will have a slight patina.
The value might go down a tiny bit, but maybr more people are looking for a knife they can have no hesitation to use.

 

Not if you washed it properly afterwards and dried it. And if you oiled it before storing it then no patina.

I nurture patina on carbon steel knives, but I don’t create them with mustard, cling film, vinegar, whatever. I grew up with a few wickedly sharp carbon steel kitchen knives. My mother patiently explained to me at a very young age that it wasn’t dirt on the blade, it was patina, the natural colour of the metal over time. Patina to me is attractive and therefore desirable. For some of my fixed blades in carbon steel I keep them oiled, as they are rarely used and prone to rust in my locality.

 

That's true, you could instantly wipe it off.

If there was patina though, then it may be a knife of more interest to people as a user as it doesn't.

 

Yes, I think many people are attracted to aged objects, whether knives, furniture, etc. There is an Afghan carpet my feet are resting on at the moment, dating from around 1880. The house I live in was built in 1893. My wife was born in 1772. I have two champagne goblets dating from 1805, and a chair from the late 17th Century. All of those things are beautiful and functional. The glassware looks like new; the rug, my wife, and the chair do not. They are all very beautiful to me.

Certainly, if something comes ‘used’, it is far easier to dive in and use it, as opposed to a pristine antique, which it would be almost a crime to alter through use. YMMV

 

I absolutely love patinas on my carbon blades! Some natural and some forced. If you really use your carbon blades, especially on food and green plants, there's no stopping the inevitable patina. It is an uphill battle keeping patina off your user carbon blades.

Forced patinas

 

Dude!

 

Natural

 

Even better!

 

I'm OCD, I am not a big fan of patina unless it's...purposeful? The copper patina on my PM2 scales I like, a blotchy patina'ed blade would annoy me. Unless maybe you do it yourself and force the patina and get it somewhat consistent with mustard/vinegar, but if random spots start to appear here and there due to "neglect" (sounds a bit too negative) it would frustrate me.

 

Free your mind, and...

 

It would be interesting to know if a good patina really can help prevent actual rusting... I've read so much here, and seen in real life that it sometimes seems to, but other times not help.

Hard to know what/how/when it tips the balance to rusting vs patina.

Personally I don't mind a good patina, but rust spots that like to pit the surface are really awful (and are not patina of course)

 

A patina layer does in fact provide an extra barrier between the steel and the oxidizing air, so therefore, it helps in preventing rust. Especially if you dab the patina with oil.

 

Same thing with all non stainless tools, it it’s dark enough it won’t have the rust that even stainless steel ones will accumulate if left in a damp area for many years.

 

I'm really curious as to the chemistry of the stuff... obviously you can't get a patina with something like salt water alone, the acid is the key... usually vegetable or fruit as a base

Whats interesting, is that some industrial/construction techniques use raw rust alone as a protection... I've never quite believed it, but it seems if the steel is chosen well, the rust can work the same as patina & actually protect it from further degradation. (have you all heard of this? believe it?) They call this magic stuff https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel Weathering Steel.

The magic formula is

A588
Carbon, Max %0.19
Manganese, %0.80 - 1.25
Phosphorus, Max %0.04
Sulphur, Max %0.05

Tensile Strength ksi 70
Yield 2% Offset ksi 50

A606
Carbon, %0.22 - 0.26
Manganese, %1.25 - 1.3
Sulphur, %0.04 - 0.06

Tensile Strength ksi 70
Yield 2% Offset ksi 40

 

I don't like this. A tool is an extension of its user, ergo, possesses said user's attributes, to an extent.

Whenever something like this is said, I feel evermore empty. It's our duty to imbue the mundane with magic. If not, is there even a point?

I too attempt to maintain the integrity of my tools through religious maintenance. I find that it makes me miserable. I think that the way to the light to lined with imperfections. I need to learn to accept that. Steels rust, children grow, and humans die. Maybe that's just perfect.

 

HAP40 steel on the small knife. I believe the large knife is Aogami(Blue) steel. I have no idea what the writing says could be “I love sushi” for all I know.

 

Cheer up ! Most humans are Animists , despite their cynical denials . Why else collect knives or other stuff beyond functional need ? Or keep old junk from family , friends or somebody "important" ?