patina spyderco GB2

S

steelhead seeker

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Aug 1, 2014
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Tried to do a patina on my GB2 last night with mustard. Left it on for 4 hours and it barely took. Ive never tried to patina a knife before so just did what I remembered from reading about it in the past. Looking into it now again it looks like i should have sanded the blade first? Any tips before I try this again. I know theres tons of info online but figured id ask here...plan is to go to the store for some sandpaper, vinegar and steel wool...let me know if this sounds wrong...

1.sand blade.
2. Dip blade in vinegar for even base patina (10mins?)
then wash off.
3. Do mustard pattern to my liking.(hour or 2?)
Then wash off
4.lightly hit with steel wool. Done.
 
I've never sanded a blade before applying a patina...but, then, I've never tried to force a patina on CPM-M4. Given its reputation, though, I can't imagine it would be a difficult process.
I have gotten A2, 1095, CPM-3V, and even D2, to patina by cutting fruit (bananas!) and raw meat. Not a couple of quick slices, and rinse - thinly slice a whole banana...you can see the discoloration building...then, when you're done, let the knife sit for a while before cleaning it off. (How long depends on what you're cutting and the type of steel.
Cutting cooked sausage is an interesting addition, because of the pattern caused by the grease.

For doing a vinegar patina, wrap the blade in a paper towel. Soak the paper towel in vinegar (both sides) and let it sit for a while. I would guess at least 20 minutes with M4; but I usually do 30-45 minutes with other steels. To add pattern at the same time, you can sprinkle the blade with salt before adding vinegar; or add mustard, salsa, etc. Sometimes, you won't notice much change until you wash the blade afterwards.
If you don't like how it looks, use a dab of metal polish & scrub with aluminum foil.
 
I accidentally put a patina on a knife, and the product I used did it instantly. I like to restore old camping lanterns and I use this stuff called {the must for rust} inside the tanks to clean and remove rust in the lantern tanks. I tried to clean an old rusty knife with it and I thought it was stainless(turned out to be carbon.) It removed the rust and instantly turned the blade black. I didn't think about the acid that must be in the stuff. Anyway, the knife is at least rust free and looks better. But the actual name is {the must for rust} and it is around $7.00 in the hardware section of wal-mart. Just a little on an old towel rubbed on will add a patina quick.
 
This was done by soaking paper towels in lemon juice then wrapping the knife in it for about 5 hours

 
You would be surprised what a nice patina you can get if you dip the knife in cream :)
 
Cut a lime and let the juice sit on the blade. Periodically wipe the lime over the blade. It'll take a patina just fine.
 
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