Thread: What are you working on?

I hear you.

On this razor the blade has been preserved. Nothing but some light steel wool and polish. Everything else is new. I'm just trying to knock some of the shiny out of the new. It's also an opportunity to experiment a bit and expand my knowledge. I may never decide to do this again, but if I do I'll have a better idea of how to go about it. I may also hate the outcome and undo everything I did, but I'll still have gained some knowledge if I need it in the future.

I would only consider it forgery if it was represented as being old, when in fact it is new. If it is truthfully represented as new with forced/fake aging, I don't see it as anything other than a style/artistic license choice.

Just my view, no offense taken. Hopefully none given.

Above all, A razor should be a shaver.
Something nasty and old has to be cleared somewhat.

I see nothing wrong about cleaning house and then trying to add patina.

How else could we see that old etch?
Cannot screw it up, really.

Could not see it before either!

Liver of Sulphur, is the common patination /etchant uses for non-ferrous metals.

~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

Liver of Sulphur, is the common patination /etchant uses for non-ferrous metals.

~Richard

I HAVE some of that!

JellyJar, I've heard of people creating forced patina on knives with acidic foods (mustard, hot sauce, vinegar, horseradish, etc) so maybe you have something in the kitchen that will work.

Vinegar will turn a whole blade black, left in long-enough!

Think I will tape my etch off and play with vinegar......

Sharpton: This blade shaves; it is my first near wedge/Spanish point, and I am smitten. It's got a nice smile and 13/16 width. I got a shave in before I started polishing my pins, which led me to the several re-do attempts. I don't know if it's the grind or I got lucky with the hone, but one of my best shavers. I've been liking the heavier grinds since I got a 1/2 hollow. It's got a few warts from my less than perfected scale/wedge making skills, but I don't see myself ever letting it go, so one day I may get rid of the warts. Or maybe get lucky with a set of original scales.

Geezer: Thanks for the tip, but Liver of Sulphur?...I'm going to have to go back to the really old school chem books to find that one. I've heard of it, but will need to find the formula/chemicals.

Oh, wait...looking things up in books...guess I'm also old school. Should probably search the net first.

Yikes, type something out and there's three more posts. Man I gotta up my keyboard skills

Originally Posted by JP5

JellyJar, I've heard of people creating forced patina on knives with acidic foods (mustard, hot sauce, vinegar, horseradish, etc) so maybe you have something in the kitchen that will work.

I've used citric acid (lemon/orange) and acetic acid (vinegar) on non stainless steel blades to get a cold blue type affect, but neither did a thing with the brass. I just don't think weak acids (acetic/citric etc.) are strong enough to react with the brass.

Sharpton: Hadn't thought about using it to improve the visibility of an etch. Good idea, I've found heating the vinegar or the steel makes it work faster. It should work similar to a cold blue solution.
Just remembered something. If left on too long it will cause rust, but it can be "carded" with wire brush or steel wool to leave a blued finish. It's similar to traditional rust bluing.

1 ounce of liver of sulfur for 7 bucks on the way. Stuff intrigues me.........

Liver_of_sulfur

Ana internet search will get you a bunch of "how to's."