remove the black after HT

[sixth_sense]

does anyone have a good tip for how to remove all the black crap after HT? I normally work with 440C stainless and 1095 Hi Carbon. After oil quench and temper there is a layer of black that sticks to the knife that I'm looking for a good way to remove.

Right now i put the knife back on the sander at either 60 or 120 grit and grind away until it shines again. The problem is that
#1-It takes a while and is frustrating work
#2-I normally grind away on my stamp making it less appealing

Anybody have a good tip for this one?

 

[Rusty McDonald]

It's not hard after you pull it out of the quench you can use a steel wool pad or scotch brite pad to scrub it off with the quench oil still on it.

 

[Leu Custom]

in the past I used to submerge and let the blade sit in distilled white vinegar overnight and then just rub it with a scotch brite pad. these days i just buff it off or just the bottom of my contact wheel with an old 40 grit belt.

 

[sunshadow]

Sodium Bisulfate

also known as "PHDown" at the pool and hottub supply or jewelers pickle

it is also good as a discovery etch to see what your damascus pattern will look like

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