way to blacken brass

[Vulcanite]

Want to darken the brass guard and pommel on my carry fixed blade (reground natchez bowie). I know birchwood casey or someone makes something alled "brass black" but I don't want to put in an order w/ brownells just for that. Is there a way to do it otherwise. Something like putting a dark patina or a blade w/ vinagar or SS blade w/ Sulfuric acid, like an old timey trick...

Also, what do you think about checkering the hilt of the bowie???

 

[stoffi]

I'm also looking for something which could make my brass really deep black, or at least grey. I found this so far:

http://www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm
http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/23/aft/117607/afv/topic/Default.aspx

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Almost any cold gun blue will blacken brass.

 

[Tarant]

If there is a hobby/craft shop near you look for a product called Blacken-it made by A-West. They also make a version called Patina-it which makes neat blue/green effects.