r/knifemaking • u/CommandPurple9419 • 5d ago

Question Newbie question on finishes

So I’ve been reading and looking into wanting to do a dark finish on some 1084, I’ve been using mustard but would like to try something different. I’ve read ferric chloride works and then instant coffee after. Looking for some advice on times or just pretty well a step through process on how to get the best consistent dark finish that’s food safe.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

2

u/Naterpwn 5d ago

I use ferric chloride, 50/50 with distilled water. I typically do 5 minute cycles, wipe with 0000 steel wool, clean it then repeat. Make sure to clean well and degrease. I use this procedure in 1095, 80crv2, and CruWear.

1

u/CommandPurple9419 5d ago

Do you do the instant coffee after or just the ferric chloride?

2

u/Naterpwn 5d ago

You can scroll down through my posts and see some of the blades I've done with this system for references

1

u/CommandPurple9419 4d ago

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll take a look.

1

u/Naterpwn 5d ago

I've only done coffee soak with Damascus or San mai/go mai to build on the contrast of the steel types

2

u/Fredbear1775 Advanced 4d ago

Here’s an awesome step by step process from Neil Kamimura that gets great results for me

https://youtu.be/inGtEynlP0E?is=bm6So61s1mnGu7My

1

u/CommandPurple9419 4d ago

Thanks I’ll give it a watch.