Etching or Darkening Steel

[Dana Acker]

Normally to etch or chemically darken steel, I use a 4 to 1 mix of H2O to ferric chloride or circuit board etchant. On high carbon steel it works fine and darkens it black with a light application. However on mild steel the best I get is a light gray color.

I've got a knife with a dark blade and a mild steel guard that I'd like to get as close to the blade color as possible.

The guard is already fixed to the blade, so heating is out of the question.

Any suggestions? Tips? Techniques? Alchemy?

[Gene Chapman]

Maybe cold gun bluing would darken it.

[Raymond Richard]

Dana, I'd go with the cold blue like Gene said. There's also a product out called Brass Black but I've never tried it on steel. Guess I ought to. Best luck I've had on darkening the milder steel is before its assembled and its mainly heating the steel up and hot waxing it but to late to do that.

[Josh Blount]

Hey Dana,
You might want to try Brass Black or one of the other similiar products. I think they're made by Jax. I ordered some of the brass black from Sheffield Supply to use on some knives I hope to finish over Christmas break. Haven't tried it yet, but when I was in Daniel Winkler's shop before school started he used it on copper ferrules and I really liked the results. Might work on mild steel. Glad you're feeling better,

Josh

[Chuck Burrows]

Brass Black doesn't work all that good on steel I've tried it - it's what I use to age copper and brass- the formula is designed to affect the copper content in brass.
Best cold blue I've used that is readily available from most local gun shops is Birchwood Casey's Super Blue - gives a great blue/black. If not available get the Perma Blue - not as dark but should work fine on mild steel.

[Lawrence Kemp]

Dana,
I have some Caseys Perma Blue, and it matches the color of the blades I have of yours. Real dark blue/black.

[Dana Acker]

BINGO!!!! I acquired and tried the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue (all they had at the store.) The steel was grayed due to the ferric chloride, and the Perma Blue on top of it made for a perfect match. Muchas Gracias guys. Owe y'all one.