Patina with Red Rust

T

Tye Possum

Joined
Nov 16, 2009
Messages
215
Hi, so I had planned on cutting up the odd pear with my new Case medium Stockman to gradually build up a patina, but after one pear, and only a slight effect on the blades, I decided to go the cheating route and force a patina. So right now my knife is stuck in a pear. Only problem is, I think it might have some red rust on it along with the black rust(patina I assume). So is there any way to remove the red rust but keep the patina, or am I going to have to get it off with steel wool or something and start again?

Maybe this is the wrong forum section to put this but it is on my traditional pocket knife, and I thought you folks might know of a way to fix my problem.
 
I treated my Izula with a q-tip dipped in vinegar on the exposed areas and left it for an hour. You can try this method and depending on your liking you can put second and third coatings as well. Works faster than leaving the knife stuck in a pear.
 
Best bet is warm vinegar, works fast and well.

My thought on the pear is that moisture will leach out in the form of nearly pure water that doesn't promote the black oxide as much as the red oxide. You'll still get a patina, but like you found, some rust too. I imagine the rust formed near where the blade was exposed outside of the pear.
 
65535 said:
Best bet is warm vinegar, works fast and well.

My thought on the pear is that moisture will leach out in the form of nearly pure water that doesn't promote the black oxide as much as the red oxide. You'll still get a patina, but like you found, some rust too. I imagine the rust formed near where the blade was exposed outside of the pear.
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Ya that makes sense I guess, but I don't have any vinegar so I might as well use what I already have.
never too sharp said:
Just take the rust off with steel wool. It'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Ya I guess that's the only way, oh well if I have to redo it I guess it's not the end of the world. Thanks.
 
Simichrome works VERY fast and safely (no swirl marks). It also contains a protective ingredient of some sort, so you'll want to wash the blade well with hot water and soap before starting the patina application again.

BTW, I smear yellow mustard on both sides of the blade and let it sit for an hour. It gives a nice multi-colored patina. Lemon juice works OK too if you want a solid, darker patina. Try it in 20min increments until you get the tint you're looking for.
 
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