There's a little bit of a "debate" on the Captain's knife build between having a stainless blade and a "pickled" carbon blade. Although I have taken the stainless side, I do like the look of the pickled blades that I have seen -- looks a lot like blueing (sp.?) to me. I have tried pickling a couple of my Case folders using a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and leaving the blade in the solution overnight. When I removed the blade, much of the blue or dark coloration wiped off with a paper towel but a light coating remained and it does seem to help against rust and I also just like the look of it. But, I don't think I did a particularly good job of pickling.

Based on some of the posts from the build topic, it looks like there might be several ways to pickle a blade. I have searched the forum for a thread about pickling and didn't find one -- just references to pickling here and there on various threads. Sooooo, I thought I would start this one to get some input especially about how to go about pickling a blade. Anyone willing to share some wisdom on this? Thanks.

Captain Chris has it perfected! I have a #8 I am gonna have thumb notches added to. After I get it back it's going directly into a jar. I will let you know how it turns out, but seeing his in person I am pretty confident it will look great!

I recently pickled one of my Model 5's and it turned out a little weird in that there is a real difference in how some of the blade came out very much darker than the rest of the blade. You can even feel where it changes color. Not sure if this indicates a heat or temper difference or something else. I used a rust eraser to see if I could even out the color but didn't make any difference. I may get the blade buffed out some or try some steel wool on it. Anyone else had this situation?

Pap

Hey Jim,

When I see a knife that has been tampered with, I immediately think the owner is trying to hide something. Just not my cup of tea!

This is what I know about being pickled...... vitameatavegamin!

Many different ways to get pickled huh Bill?

Mike -- Mine also came out a little uneven but I was probably doing it wrong. I was hoping to get a little advice on the process. For a carbon EDC or user, it seems like it might be a good option.

Mine "always" come out uneven. That's what I like about them! Ever seen a single-action Colt with only one, nice, even, non-mixed color case hardening? (& folks pay a boatload of money for them)
The bottom line, to me anyway, is getting the blade very clean and a little warm..then...just add pickle juice! I stick the blade, up to the hilt in pickle, Spanish olive, etc. juice and check it every few minutes. Usually you'll see the results you want. An earlier post (I think by Steve) showed a more consistent coverage with 100% vinegar. yeah? OK...whatever. Mine works and that's all I care about.
Good luck, Capt. Chris

Thanks Captain. I guess it really is as simple as it sounds except maybe for different folks using somewhat different pickling juice formulas and processes to get the effect they prefer.

OK members,
Here ya' go. I am still in the process of finishing this pickling project for a customer in New York. I will try and get this done in as few steps (photos) as possible. If ya'll have any questions, give a shout-out!
1st: Starting with a #7-4 1/2", thumb notches...(added a wrist thong and a waxed sheath, per the customer's request).
2nd: After un-wrapping I simply washed the blade real good with warm dish soap and water.
Capt. Chris

Single action Colt

...as you can see, it's good-n-shiny clean and ready to pickle! I use a "real" water glass, marking the approx. hilt line, once the knife in in the glass...(no sense muckin' up hilt real bad)...then I add the pickle juice (In this case- Pepperoncini juice) to the high water mark!
Best, Capt. Chris