Hi folks.. pretty new to knife building and am looking at a couple of finish options for my O1 tool steel knives... I tried a hot vinegar bath on one of my knives and had difficultly getting a good finish.. I left it in for around 10 mins and got a little pitting .. Do you folks have advice on how to do a proper hot vinegar finish on O1 (or maybe not use HOT vinegar) ? Further.. what do you folks think of a coffee finish, how does it compare to a vinegar finish and any advice on doing that kind of finish ?? Thanks in advance for you advice..
anyone who sticks a knife in my coffee 01 steels composition is likely interfering with the etching process. All I did was go to the hardware store and picked up Muriatic acid used for cleaning concrete, dilute with water and keep it outside or away from anything you do not want turning into rust.
@Timmer377 Check out this tutorial from Stuart Smith. 01 being a carbon tool steel, it’s the process I’m going to have a go at. As for a coffe finish, I have seen it work wonders on Damascus, but not much else
I've used the coffee finish on a couple knives, but only had good luck with 1.[/URL][/] I spent a lot of time polishing and buffing to get that finish. I then used 4 or 5 (sorry can't remember which) big tablespoons of instant coffee in about 4 cups of boiling water, and submerged the blade right away while still very hot. I really like the way this one turned out. I can't say right now how durable it is cause I made it for a buddy and he hasn't used it yet. I took John's advice and picked up a bottle or muriatic acid from the hardware store. $8 for a 1 litre jug. I've only used it on 1 knife so far, but it's much easier and faster than coffee or vinegar and leaves a more even patina.
Use ferric chloride,mixed 3:1 with water, it is a lot less toxic then muriatic acid and can be stored and used in your workshop without you chocking on it and it does not turn everything in your workshop brown. Most electronics stores stock it as it is used to etch circuit boards.
Thanks folks.. it sounds like Ferric Chloride is the way to go vs. coffee.. I didn't see much on the hot vinegar so, I am thinking that may not be the best either. thanks again
Guys.... I took your advice and went with the Ferric Chloride and 0000 steel wool.. great results and as easy as can be imagined.I will post a pic of the result in the coming days. Thanks again..
Hey Timmer, how long did you leave it in there? Also, where did you find the ferric chloride? I think i saw some on Amazon but i'm tired of paying customs brokers.
I was quite nervous about destroying my blade so I did it in 3-5 miniute intervals cleaning with 0000 steel wool between courses.. It should be noted that I used a 60:40 ration of ferric chloride to water (some others suggest 70:30).. I believe that I dipped it 4 times in total so it is pretty dark. It came out really consistent (that is until I hit the blade on the grinder when I was shaping my handle). I picked up the ferric chloride @ Active Tech computer supply shop on Merivale road in Ottawa I am not a techy type so I can't tell you if they are in other cities in Canada.. Here is their website. https://www.active123.com/
I got my Ferric off of Amazon.ca. https://www.amazon.ca/MG-Chemicals-...id=1541188908&sr=8-1&keywords=ferric+chloride I believe this is the same brand but I ordered it by the litre. Came all the way from Jolly Old England. Took a while to get here but arrived without an issue.
@Timmer377 Dude that turned out awesome! Thanks for posting the follow up *thumb up* I got my Ferric Chloride here https://store.qkits.com/ferric-chloride-4-litres.html It arrived within 2 days. Canadian business, $65 for 4 litres plus tax/shipping. When you consider what some businesses are charging for a litre, this was a good deal.
I think I paid about $5.00 for a liter and got it locally. Mix that 3:1 with distilled water and you will able to supply everyone on this forum with the stuff.
Hello fellas the tips from you guys are great. I have tried the ferric chloride route and it works great. However I tried dipping my Damascus blades in coffee after the ferric, but it seems to make the whole blade dark. Is anyone else having this problem. I am attempting to make the contrast really pop, so just wondering if anyone has any tips that they use ?
