Patina

SubSpace said:
How does one force a patina on the "inside" of the backspring? That's the only part of the knife I am concerned about rusting, because I can't readily wipe it down...
Click to expand...

One thing that works well for accessing the inside of the spring in most folders, is to use a 'popsicle stick'. These can also be found as 'craft sticks' in the sewing & crafts section at Walmart or craft stores. The thickness of the stick is just about perfect for the blade wells in most traditional knives. The end of the stick can be cut/sanded/shaped as needed, to reach into more recessed areas near the pivots. A piece of cloth, paper towel or tissue can be wrapped around the end, for cleaning, dipped/soaked in your cleaning fluid, oil, polish or other fluid of choice. Same can be done with sandpaper for heavy rust removal or polishing.
 
Thanks for the idea!
I've discovered the nail file blade of my Vic classic works very much like the popsicle stick. I used a gun cleaning patch with a bit of mineral oil on it to coat the inner backspring. Hopefully I'm good to go...
 
Here's two examples of how the musturd patina I force turns out.
DSC01168.jpg
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Chestnut bone Swayback Jack and a Case Sodbuster Jr.
 
Ok, Originally I was going to do the natural "earned" patina but then i got creative and wanted to see what happened if i coated my knife bade in wet (used not wasted) tea leaves.

Actually it turned out pretty cool! I think with some tweaking it could be a really cool way to put a patterned patina on new knives.

The Obligatory pictures;
2012-01-08_21-47-42_69.jpg


2012-01-08_21-48-55_165.jpg
 
I may give the mustard trick a try just for grins. It does run counter to my normal approach of a natural patina though, so I may not be able to bring myself to do it.

Ed J
 
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