Patina - question on darkness and rust protection

S

ShooterMcgavin

Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
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Does a darker patina provide more protection from rust on a carbon steel blade? I am thinking about forcing a patina on a Caly 3.5. In order to protect the tang, I was considering putting the hinge-end of the blade in vinegar for a long time, to make it darker and protect it more (?) Will that work, to better protect the parts of the blade that I cannot clean/oil easily?
 
Initially yes, but a dark patina usually wears off quite fast, as most of what's making it really dark isn't bonded to the "healthy" metal. I think vinegar works nicely, but citric acid will give you a darker color. When a blade has rusted heavily, I usually let the blade sit in citric acid for a few hours or even over night. Rust doesn't stand a chance against citric acid. I once restored a blade which had been left on the ground outdoors for several years through temperate seasons and it all came off over night!

If left in a cup for more than a few hours, a carbon steel blade will be entirely black with citric acid. However, that heavy coat of darkness comes off easily with detergent, but a light grey tone remains. So, I let it sit in vinegar to give it a more durable patina. Mustard, which contains vinegar, is great for making beautiful patterns.
 
Before applying Tuf Glide...
What is the best way to get a long-lasting, protective patina? Vinegar? Something else?
 
Somehow I got a fantastic patina on my Bark River Golok. Vinegar on a paper towel, then mustard, then my own blood (accident), then some purple goo from cutting some plants, then some oil.
The patina has a smooth feel and a shine to it. Almost like the oil bonded into the patina and/or metal. Either way, it's the slickest patina I've done. I wish I knew what was happening during that process. Was it the blood, the hot water I washed it off with, then the blood? I don't want to spill blood to find out.

Air and heat are part of the equation. A warm blade and vinegar(acid) will react faster. I'd just run the blade under hot water, don't boil it, or use the dishwasher. Warm up the mustard or vinegar.
Another way is to cut hot meat, right off the grill. You may see blueish colors, depends on the steel.

I'm no expert, so take my experiences for what they are, trial and error.
 
Look at my patina on my Svord Peasant in my thread "Patina- harder than it looks". I have it labeled for before and after patina, and I did mine with 15 minutes wrapped in a rice vinegar soaked tissue. I cleaned it with some random slightly abrasive hand soap, and that was my result. I am pretty pleased for a mere 10 minutes of work (setting it up and cleaning it off).
 
Thanks guys.

Cold Kill, I read all of that thread. I really like the way your patina turned out on the Svord, enough that I have several on order now (all to be given away as gifts, except for one). I was wondering if rice vinegar (or another type) would make a more lasting patina than regular vinegar. After I work on my first Svord (blue handle), I will probably order another one with a wood handle and refinish it. I can't wait to receive that little, budget knife :)

I will do some trial and error (hopefully, not much of the latter). Since I want to protect the hinge area on the Caly 3.5, I won't be able to do quick and regular testing. I'll have to take it apart in order to treat it, so I want to do something that lasts.

One last thing... I ordered the Caly 3.5 and haven't received a confirmation e-mail from the company. Their stock was reduced by 1 after I ordered. I wrote them an e-mail and haven't heard any response back. I'm really hoping that my Caly 3.5 is on its way! No advice needed, just mentioning it :)
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Thanks guys.

Cold Kill, I read all of that thread. I really like the way your patina turned out on the Svord, enough that I have several on order now (all to be given away as gifts, except for one). I was wondering if rice vinegar (or another type) would make a more lasting patina than regular vinegar. After I work on my first Svord (blue handle), I will probably order another one with a wood handle and refinish it. I can't wait to receive that little, budget knife :)

I will do some trial and error (hopefully, not much of the latter). Since I want to protect the hinge area on the Caly 3.5, I won't be able to do quick and regular testing. I'll have to take it apart in order to treat it, so I want to do something that lasts.

One last thing... I ordered the Caly 3.5 and haven't received a confirmation e-mail from the company. Their stock was reduced by 1 after I ordered. I wrote them an e-mail and haven't heard any response back. I'm really hoping that my Caly 3.5 is on its way! No advice needed, just mentioning it :)
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I think I am going to do a second coat, hopefully to make it more elaborate. Gotta get me some practice so I know what direction to take my Opinel in.
 
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