It's just too hot to beat up knives or bake cookies. So I got out the old baking pan and put in a Swamp Rat and a couple of Rangers, poured in some vinegar and set them outside to cook. Mmmmmmm homemade patina for dinner!

How much time you have to keep them submerged in vinegar?

I actually tried to put a patina on my rd9, and made a mistake.

well, I foolishly aded water to the vinegar so I wouldn't use all my moms.
someone on the ranger forum did this for a short soak I think...
but I don't think it's a good idea for a long one... cause i think my blade rusted some... there seeral patches that didn't look anything like the rest of the dark patina, but rust.
well I sanded it off and I'm going to try again.


nice looking patina you got going there vic. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

They have been out there for an hour. I'll check them again in another hour. When they are "done" I'll remove the scales on the Rangers and dry and oil them.
The HRLM should still have the original protective coating under the scales.

All done. Dried, oiled, screws permatexed, scales back on, edges touched up.

They all look like Ma's old butcher knife. The patina (along with a little oil or wax) should help resist corrosion. Of course, I can shine them back up any time if I decide I don't like the finish.

I like how the patina on the rat matches the scales!
very cool!
they came out nice vic.

Cool, Vic. I like the uneven patina look myself especially on users, however I can't help but wonder as I type this, are you satisfied with the look or have you already shined they back up again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

One curious question, does the micarta retain any of the Vinegar scent. Sorry if you've answered that in the past and I missed it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Horn Dog:

Are you sure you understand this pickling business? If you’re pickling green beans, you snap each one to be sure it’s fresh before adding it to the pickling liquor. The beans that bend instead of snap are thrown away. These knives of yours all seem to be in one piece. ??????

I don't pickle green beans, just whole cucumbers. Besides, the only boken knife I have is stainless, so it would not take a patina. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I am happy with them for now. I like the smell of vinegar and oil. Nothing like distilled vinegar and WD-40 to give a knife that manly smell.