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Post by stevengraham on Jan 1, 2024 23:21:09 GMT
I was looking at Rusty my Katana a week ago and thought about when we first met. His blade edge all chipped and broken for almost the entire length, Rusty was bent and warped to the left. He was not shiny and new but old and gray. Obviously abused and unloved for many years and left to rust away in some desert in New Mexico. With a lot of luck I sorta made him look pretty again. I do not have the skills of a true polisher but I can get close without ruining the blade and that is where I stopped. I was looking at Rusty in the Kitchen (good lighting) and notice he was getting all shinny like my toaster. I don't like toast. Anyway thats another story but I did not like Rusty being all shiney like that damn toaster, I like Rusty when he had his natural patina. While it did shine abit the color was a dull gray. I liked that color. Soooooo....I went researching on how to add natural patina to metal (Steel). I tried the vinagers of different flavors and strength and of course lemmon, limes. Then I found an acid that alot of people used for projects, Caig Labs CL-ETCH-16 Ferric Chloride PCB Etchant Solution. I used 8 0z acid to 1 gallon of water. I emmerced the blade only not the tang. Set the clock for 1 minute and waited. Glad I set the timer for 1 minute. That stuff works fast. Neutralized the acid with some baking powder. Got some 5000 grit sandpaper and went to work. I got all the oxides off and brought out that wonderful gray patina. Rusty truly looks magnificent. I can't explain don't know why but shiny toaster was not Rusty. Take a look. photos.app.goo.gl/1sYv3NMTgaDAmW2L7
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Jan 2, 2024 15:03:04 GMT
I think you did a great job! Now I'm no polishing purist, but if you like it, you like it. AND...you are learning, which is more important. Oh...ferric chloride, like all acids, make sure you do it outside, as it can off gas and make everything metal crusty.
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izzy
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Post by izzy on Jan 2, 2024 18:08:32 GMT
I liked what you did before...but if ye have sinned, thine repentance be to mount the sword as best ye can.
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Post by larason2 on Jan 2, 2024 21:27:05 GMT
Haha, I'm a polishing purist, but I think you did alright. In all cases you should be conservative, and I think you have been. It's true a Japanese sword should have a matte finish when polished properly. You were also conservative with the sandpaper, and didn't push too hard, so you got more detail than most. You did well to neutralize the acid.
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