Putting a patina in an Esee

[paxamus]

Hey guys
I'm about to start working on a patina on my Esee 3 with 1095using the apple cider vinegar method. Question is can I submerge the whole knife, micarta and all, or should I just do the blade and treat the rest with the vinegar on a cotton ball? I just don't want my handle to smell like a pickle afterwards. Or will it not affect the handle?
Any input appreciated.

 

[craytab]

Take the scales off! I'm out and about. Will post more when home.

 

[NorthernArcher]

Definitely remove the scales.
I used the vinegar method on my ESEE 6. I removed the scales, stripped the paint, sanded the blade, soaked it overnight in vinegar, then reattached the scales and resharpened.

 

[RevDevil]

Maintenance, Tinkering, and Embellishment is a better place for these topics.

 

[Jason B.]

I use Ferric Chloride, takes about 30 seconds to do what vinegar does in 24 hours.

 

[craytab]

Definitely remove the scales.
I used the vinegar method on my ESEE 6. I removed the scales, stripped the paint, sanded the blade, soaked it overnight in vinegar, then reattached the scales and resharpened.

Yes! This!

Remove the scales and paint. Sand a bit. Patina away! This was what I did with my esee 5.

 

[paxamus]

Any tips to taking the scales off? Other than not stripping the screws?

 

[craytab]

Any tips to taking the scales off? Other than not stripping the screws?

Just that! I've had no trouble taking the scales off any of my Esee knives. (3, 4, 5, 6, & Junglas). Having two Allen keys of the same size helps. While your at it, you might consider dying the handles to further customize. I've done it on my 3, 4, 5, & Junglas. Under the scales make sure to use a good rust protector like Tuff cloth. I even went so far as to add a layer of wax. Don't know how much that helps but it seems to me it couldn't hurt. When you put the handles back on, use a bit of blue loctite on the screws.

 

[KennyB]

Yes! This!

Remove the scales and paint. Sand a bit. Patina away! This was what I did with my esee 5.

Am I the only one getting nails on a chalkboard feelings seeing that Military resting against the glass rim?

 

[Jason B.]

Any photo of knife edges on glass or outside on rocks makes me cringe.