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Knives are one of the most essential tools in the kitchen. They’re indispensable for cutting meat, chopping vegetables, and slicing cheese.
But even with all their power to aid in culinary creations, knives can be quite dangerous if they aren’t properly cared for.
If you don’t know how to clean a blade or maintain its sharpness, then your knife could end up being more harmful than helpful! Learn about six basic steps on how to blackwash a knife blade below!
6 Steps on How to Blackwash a Knife Blade
Step 1: Preparation
The first step in blackwashing is to prepare the blade. Clean off any excess dirt or oil using a rag, paper towel, or other tools that will not leave fibers behind. Make sure you’re working in an area where dust won’t be flying around because it can get stuck on your knife during this process and may cause you to have to start over.
Step 2: Buy An Etchant
The next step is to buy an etchant. The only ones that will work for this purpose are those containing ferric chloride, which can be found at art stores or online if you’re unable to find it locally.
Once the solution is purchased, make sure not to open it until immediately before use because exposure to air causes oxidation and corrosion of metal surfaces.
Step 3: Prepare Etch Bath
Once the etching solution has been acquired, prepare an acid bath by filling a container with water (preferably distilled) and adding two tablespoons of salt per every liter.
It’s important not to have too much salt in your mixture because, over time its corrosive properties may cause damage or discolor on your blade surface. Mix well and add the ferric chloride solution.
Step 4: Immerse Blade in Solution
Immediately before dipping your blade, make sure it is completely dry. Then slowly dip the blade into the bath until only a quarter to half of an inch remains above water level.
Leave it there for five minutes, but be careful not to let any bubbles form on its surface during this time because they will leave marks when you pull out your knife.
Bubbles can also cause damage by forcing acid against areas that aren’t meant to corrode, such as pivot pins or screws. These may then rust over time which could lead to failure if left unchecked, causing safety concerns.
Step 5: Remove Knife from Etchant Baths
Once five minutes have passed, remove the knife from the etching solution. Then submerge it in water for another five minutes to stop the corrosive process and make sure all acid has been rinsed off completely.
Step 6: Apply Oil Finish
Once your blade is dry, you can apply a thin layer of oil on its surface before buffing it with a clean cloth or paper towel until no residue remains.
This will protect against corrosion that could soften protective layers while also giving it an attractive matte black finish which old-time gunsmiths called “blackwashing” because they used similar techniques on gun parts such as hammers and screws when making guns look more historical than they actually were during different time periods.
How Long Does It Take?
The etching process takes about five minutes per side, so prepare to spend at least ten minutes when doing the entire blade.
If you’re planning on blackwashing several knives, it can be time-consuming and tedious, but after a few times, it becomes second nature and doesn’t take as long anymore. Just remember that patience is key because rushing will only affect your final results.
Tips On How To Blackwash A Knife
Here are some extra tips that will help you blackwash a knife blade when using the steps mentioned above:
- Make sure to protect your eyes and skin from coming in contact with any acid because it can cause serious damage.
- If you’re unable to find ferric chloride, there’s another solution known as Liver of Sulfur (LOS) which is available at hardware stores or online. These two chemicals work identically but LOS tends to be cheaper per ounce than ferric chloride so if cost is an issue, keep this in mind.
Benefits Of Blackwashing
Blackwashing a blade not only protects it from rusting but also makes the knife look more attractive while adding an element of historical authenticity.
It may take some time to achieve this effect because there are several steps involved, but after you get over the learning curve and see how great your blades turn out, you’ll want to blackwash all your knives.
Moreover, like other forms of bluing, blackwashing can make your blade look like it’s been used excessively over the years, which is perfect for replicating older knives.
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