wrought iron question

[SDS]

This is probably a really dumb question but I'm wanting to use some wrought iron type fittings on a knife and would like the fittings to have that black finish that is on decorative wrought iron. Is this something that is applied or how do they get this finish? If there is another, better way to get a black finish on the metal please let me know.

This is uncharted territory for me as I've never used this for knifemaking and thought I'd ask before I start.

Thanks for any advice.
SDS

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

First, decorative wrought iron is usually not wrought iron, but mainly simple low carbon steel (1010 thru 1030). Decorative work was wrought iron over 100 years ago, but all the stuff you see and buy now isn't. True wrought iron has a fibrous structure and no carbon content. Now days, they call any black coated metalwork "Wrought Iron".

The finish you want is usually done with some sort of treatment. There are many that will darken/blacken iron/steel.
Flame bluing
Phosphoric acid
Beeswax and turpentine ( this makes that shiny black finish called "Blacksmiths Polish")
Ferric Chloride and other acids
Gun Bluing solutions
Black paint

Stacy

 

[SDS]

Thank you for the information. I had wondered if the term "wrought iron" covered a lot of different materials just from what I had seen but I know so little about this that I just didn't know.

I will try the ferric chloride and see how that turns out. I had heard something about using beeswax but I didn't know it was mixed with turpentine. I'm not sure I want a waxy finish anyway.

Thanks again,
SDS

 

[IVANKERLEY]

First, decorative wrought iron is usually not wrought iron, but mainly simple low carbon steel (1010 thru 1030). Decorative work was wrought iron over 100 years ago, but all the stuff you see and buy now isn't. True wrought iron has a fibrous structure and no carbon content. Now days, they call any black coated metalwork "Wrought Iron".

The finish you want is usually done with some sort of treatment. There are many that will darken/blacken iron/steel.
Flame bluing
Phosphoric acid
Beeswax and turpentine ( this makes that shiny black finish called "Blacksmiths Polish")
Ferric Chloride and other acids
Gun Bluing solutions
Black paint

Stacy

have any more info on the turpentine and beeswax?
i'm intrigued by that, seems simple and straight forward.
can that be done to a finished carbon steel blade?
thanks
ivan

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A blacksmith's finish can be attained by mixing equal amounts of melted beeswax and turpentine ( some use boiled linseed oil). Melt the wax carefully and remove from heat and flames. Slowly stir in the turpentine.

This mixture is brushed/wiped onto the metal while the metal is slightly hot. At about 600-700F the wax will smoke off. Continue applying as the metal cools until the wax stops bubbling. Cool off ( sticking it in a bucket of water is OK) and buff well. It should give a lustrous dark finish. Repeat if needed.
Do this outside and away from all flame.

Stacy