Soaking in Vinegar

[popcornpicker]

I read in the archives about putting an Opinel in vinegar to blacken the blade. After 2 hrs. it's almost completely black. How long should it stay immersed and how durable will the finish be?

 

[L. Uebelein]

Rub the blade down with some steel wool and oil, that will show its true colors. If its not to your liking soak it some more. But eventually the vinegar might eat the blade away so be careful!

 

[popcornpicker]

After soaking and polishing twice it seems to be getting a uniform finish. I think I'll pass on steel wool for now.