patinas for W2 steel?...

[birdave]

Knifemakers, BF members and anyone else with knowledge of forced patinas....what is the best method/product to use, to get a forced patina on W2 steel?

I've heard about some people using mustard and vinegar (separately) to force a patina on carbon steel.
Do either of these work for W2?

Thanks all, for any help and suggestions.

 

[BluntCut MetalWorks]

Yes. Vinegar; mustard; lemon; FeCl; beef/pork/chicken blood; etc... all will react with W2 to form patina. Repeat 5x or 10x if you want thicker patina.

 

[birdave]

Thank you bluntcut...very much appreciated.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

It depends on what your looking for as well. Each gives a slightly different look. If its your own blade it will patina on its own. Cutting onions or red meat with a W2 blade with patina it in short order.
If the knife is going to someone else besides yourself just giving them this information will allow them to patina the blade themselves. I just finished this 14 inch bread knife, forged from W2, for our kitchen and I know cutting the hot loaves of bread will result in a beautiful patina; which I for one really enjoy.

 

[BluntCut MetalWorks]

Got your pm. Thanks.

If you want a nice pattern patina. Paint a pattern on your blade with soft-fingernail polish. Repeat soak your blade in vinegar - 10 to 30 minutes, take out wash & scrub blade with paper towel. Repeat a few time until your blade is quite gray. Ferric-chloride will give you black patina. Mustard is sort of patchy grey & yellow-ish. Use acetone to remove nail polish. Now paint & soak un-patina areas with beef/lamb blood, wash & repeat a few times. Voi'la a grey foundation with blue+violet+hue (nail polish pattern) high lights.

Thank you bluntcut...very much appreciated.

 

[birdave]

MANY thanks to bluntcut and Fred.Rowe...your time and info. is Greatly appreciated!