How do I force a patina on O-1 steel?

[SteelSnob]

I have a orange I can use but can someone tell me the specifics on what to do please? How long do I leave it in? Do I wipe it off right away when I take it out of the orange? Thanks.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

There just happens to be a discussion about forced patinas (using an orange and an apple, among other methods) going on in the Traditional Forum right now:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=709035

 

[SteelSnob]

Oh yeah. Hahah. That was me.

 

[David Martin]

I cut up some lemons (about 12)with my 01 steeled knife and the blade turned black in minutes (maybe 15).
Cutting up 3-4 pumpkins one year for the kids on Halloween making jack-o-lanterns . Which took maybe 30mins. and letting it sit for 30mins. I noticed the blade was more lite brown . So, something less acidic than lemons or grapefruit might be what your after and it takes 1-2hrs.. No pumpkins to be had this time of year . So, you might try squash, acorn, butternut and one of my favorite spaghetti, yellow and zucchini are in season . Good luck and let us know how it turns out . DM

 

[SteelSnob]

Thanks David. Someone had said vinegar works well so I was planning on trying that.

 

[Jason B.]

I usually cut a lemon in half and rub it on the blade. rub, rinse, repeat until I get the finish I want.

 

[hoopster]

Use a potato on O-1. It gives a nice blueish tint.

 

[birdog4]

try rhubarb

 

[dipbait]

Potato. And if you use slices you have tiger stripes.

 

[Brad "the butcher"]

French's mustard, lightly coat the blade then sponge dab it with some crumpled paper towel for pattern.
My Laredo bowie looks great.

 

[David Martin]

dip, I've seen my 01 blade with that left on it . DM

 

[neeman]

Use a potato on O-1. It gives a nice blueish tint.

Stick it in a potato is reported as the old timer standard for a new knife

 

[MustardMan]

I've been having a heck of a time keeping my Spyderco Bushcraft clear of rust, so this is a timely discussion for me. I was thinking of trying a mustard patina, to stay true to my name, but haven't decided what to do yet

 

[NRaiano]

Potato. And if you use slices you have tiger stripes.

Looks good but DAMN!!! it's kinda hard to believe how much damage a potato can do that pretty knife I'm assuming that this will not rust now right? how long did you let it sit for after putting it through the potato slices?
Gabriel.

 

[KennyB]

I just got a Case Trapper in CV.

Someone told me to force a putina if I'm worried about it rusting. I don't really use my knives all that much, so I'm kind of worried it will rust before I even give it a chance.

Thing is I kind of like this bright, shiny finish. Is there any kind of middle ground?

Also, if I force a putina do I need to resharpen the edge to get it "as sharp" or is that just to have a nice shiny edge?

 

[NRaiano]

I just got a Case Trapper in CV.

Someone told me to force a putina if I'm worried about it rusting. I don't really use my knives all that much, so I'm kind of worried it will rust before I even give it a chance.

Thing is I kind of like this bright, shiny finish. Is there any kind of middle ground?

Also, if I force a putina do I need to resharpen the edge to get it "as sharp" or is that just to have a nice shiny edge?

The other option is to put a polish on it which helps to prevent rust the oil and wipe it down with a dry cloth. You can do this in about 10 mins with some 1200 grit sandpaper. shouldn't rust out on you in storage after this.

 

[the possum]

Give it to an 8 or 10 year old boy for a couple days.

Otherwise, my thoughts haven't really changed since I posted this some time ago-

pat·i·na
2. The sheen on any surface, produced by age and use.

Don't overcomplicate things. If you dip it in vinegar, it will look like it was dipped in vinegar. If you use it, chopping green sappy brush, wearing it out in the rain, steel wool-ing off the rust that forms, butchering critters, digging/chopping out roots, and use it some more, it will develop a real patina, that looks like a real patina.

 

[dipbait]

Looks good but DAMN!!! it's kinda hard to believe how much damage a potato can do that pretty knife I'm assuming that this will not rust now right? how long did you let it sit for after putting it through the potato slices?
Gabriel.

I left it over night.Slices need to be thin.They will move as they dry.

 

[NRaiano]

K, I've got a carbon scandi and an opinel on the way to me. as soon as I get the opinel I'll stab it in a potato over night and If I'm pleased I'll do the same with the scandi knife. I do like the look of yours a lot... What steel is that?

 

[fishface5]

etching solution will turn carbon steel black, you can dilute it to obtain grey. Patina helps discourage rust but won't make it rust-proof. A high-polish finish also helps discourage rust by preventing nooks & crannies for moisture to collect -- followed by patina to dull the polish and condition the steel