I started adding vinegar to my ferric, so like 45% water 45 ferric & 10% vinegar.... Also, I found if I dip the blade then wipe it down with the steel wool & keep dipping and wiping until it is completely even, then let it soak, it comes out darker and more even... after baking soda, I use penetrating oil to seal in the etch(stonewash or hamons)... take it easy...
I really like the looks of that finish. Thanks for all the instructional videos you do. As a person just starting out you not only give a lot of information clearly but you also list what you are using and where to get it, very helpful James, thanks.
Hey, Just want to thank you so much for your videos. I just started making knives in my garage and you have been such a help. Keep up the great videos! Know that there is a guy in SC, watching in his garage as I make my own knives! You the Man!
This is probably the best video I've watched in a Sunday with entirely too much time watching Internet videos. Simple, straight to the point, not a lot of "uhmmms" or rambling. Makes me wonder what in the heck someone is yakking about for 18 minutes when they talk about stonewashing. Well done sir, very well done.
Thanks for linking me here. I have watched this one a few times already. It’s putting your makers mark etching that I am in the dark about. Stencils and AC/DC and all that business that I have o clue on. Thanks J
I see. When I'm going to be stone washing a blade I only etch DC (Deep) with my electro chemical etcher. Then I let the blade sit in the acid for around 9 min.
Ive been thinking about how I would attach my handle scales and contour them to the tang after stonewashing. The satin finish on the spine is the answer! Thanks man
This was real simple. I usually mirror finish my blades but it’s too dang time consuming. This was a great tip. Also, hears a tip for you that you may try. I have a special reserve of ferric that has just a touch of mineral oil in it. It leaves the blades with a one-off pattern that is quite wild. Gives them this hydro-dip like pattern that I’ve come to find unique and enjoyable. Cheers!
To the point Doesn't hold back Good job...much success to you abd your business Stonewash finish has always look the best I believe natural and classic
I have done a few with a very similar technique to yours. I made my ferric and seemed to work well. Only difference lately is that it did this in stainless. Effect is a bit different and not as pronounced Great video and instruction as always.
Thanks Nick, I have yet to ever work with stainless. I'm currently focusing on steels I can HT myself with my forge. That's cool it came out different though.
There's a different solution you're supposed to use with stainless. It looks really good. I don't remember what the solution is, seems like it was some type of drain cleaner, but there's at least one video on CZcams about the process because I watched it about a week ago and there's probably other videos I'm sure if you just keep digging.
Here's a link for stonewashed stainless. Haven't watched it yet, it just popped up in my feed but...... czcams.com/video/zP9tDWLbq6g/video.htmlsi=jvLT_9YRMkdHhWSe
I really like the stone wash finish. It gives a unique worn look to the metal. Of coarse a shiny knife is nice but they are a dime a dozen. I like your taste in knives as well. Thinking outside of what everyone else is doing! 👏
Man there is so much to learn (for me so little time 72 years old) I have watched a lot of your videos (eye and ears open) In one of them you mentioned a process you use to produce wooden temples using 360 and your CNC machine. which involved photo coping and saving files so as to be able to save? please have you make a video on that subject yet if not go to your room till you do! could you consider one? or is the a video you might recommend I am a very fast learner and could pit it up quickly thanks (I'm crawling LOL)
Hey pop, there are a good deal of youtube videos out there on using CNC lasers. That's I I've been using. I use an Xtool laser with Lightburn as the software. This is my review - czcams.com/video/OJ-Ue1mtqgg/video.html
i used this for 1084 blades. it didnt darken it too much but as i left it longer than 10 mins it started to eat a bit into the metal. the 1084 was a bit uneven and motley after ht that wouldnt sand out too well. as a result after the acid wash the blade almost looked like a damascus with a patchy uneven appearance that wasnt too bad. after stonewash there wasnt a lot of wash feature but enough to get the idea of what had been done. blade could have been darker and wash feature could have been more pronounced. i think it was an inherent problem with the 1084 bar stock more than anything else.
This is an updated version of this video - czcams.com/video/m6oKy2UDeLI/video.html All the blades I've stone washed have been 1084; I've found that the heat treatment needs to be very even for good results as well. Cheers! Good luck with your projects!
@@RedBeardOps yes i think the ht company has lost its touch and i will be changing them. i normally use only 440c and bring up to mirror so just started in 1084. did another ht 1084 yesterday and you could see when it was in the acid that a portion of the blade wasnt turning to the black and then wouldnt accept the stone wash finish. before i tried the stone washing and was sanding back thru the grits as with a 440c process i normally use the 1084 would show a mottled uneven patchy finish. thats why im trying a stone wash process to eliminate that patchy finish. like it had been burnt in patches. anything past about 600 grit was hiliting the uneven finish so id have to leave it at a satin which is harder to do than a mirror! could be the 1084 itself but im thinking more the heat treater. cheers
Watched a bunch of videos about stone wash finish but yours was the best. Straight to the point and showed the result at the end. thanks for sharing. have you by any chance done etching with battery acid? if yes, how was the result?
@Peiman Hd thanks for the praise! Glad you got something out of it! I have never etched with battery acid; I don't see why it wouldn't work though. Be careful.
I love your work bro I started out having a lot of the tools listed in your beginner video and moved up to having all pro gear minus the power hammer. I have a question as far as other finish variations ie how do you get the flat grey color you see on factory made knives etc. I also had a question about bits and alternative methods in using them ie I’ve seen some guys using either their drill presses or mills like a router and etching/carving out their knife blanks using the side of the bit. I’m assuming that’s a cobalt bit of some sort? I’d really like to know. I have a band saw which has sped the process up quite a bit but I’d love to use the press considering in my shop I’m always in arms reach of it. Anyway much appreciated!
Hey AJ, really happy you're enjoying the videos! I must say I'm not versed in many other finished. This stone wash finish is one of the main finishes I use. You could also look into cold blueing and finishes of that nature. I still use my band saw to cut out blanks since it's fast! The mill would take forever unless you had a huge CNC mill. Cheers sir! Have a great week!
Great finish on the knives! I noticed the rocks in your tumbler are more like river pebbles (ie. smooth) would crushed rocks (ie. rough) be too harsh? I've learned a lot from watching your videos.
It's hard to tell from most videos but most of the stonewashed knives I've seen seem to come out with a flat or matt finish, I'm looking for a little more shiny finish like a semi gloss. Does a knife that's been polished to a semi gloss raw steel come out stonewashed with a semi gloss finish or does the stonewash make it matt or flat regardless? Or is there a way to bring out a slight sheen after the stonewash finish? I'm not a big fan of a dull, matt or flat look on a steel knife blade.
Working on knife #5 and I definitely wanna try stonewash great tip thank you I'll subscribe to your channel I like your work gonna see what else you have on your channel
Hello Mr Redbeard. Im making exclusivly full tang knifes and are about to try the etched stonewash finish. I see u only keep the etch on the blade and not the tang and spine, is it possible to etch those parts after the handle is finished to give it an a more consistent finish? Or will the ferric chloride stain any material ot comes on contact with? Best regards, Niklas / Sweden
Hey Niklas! I've never tried it but I have seen it done. On method you could do is use take down hardware. So that the knife can be taken apart after handle shaping.
So far so good. One of the things I like about a stonewashed blade is that any minor scratches on the blade are generally incorporated into the finish. Like all carbon steel blades it will still require cleaning and oiling from time to tome. Make a point to neutralize the acid with baking soda or Windex with ammonia.
Nice finish. I've been looking for a finish for hunting/camping/bushcraft type knives. Can anyone comment as to differences if any between smooth river rock vs. small pea gravel as far as results? BTW subbed !
Do you have a alternative to ferric chloride? I heard Battery Acid will work and if so, what process changes from ur tutorial with Ferric Chloride? Thanks man
I'm sure it could work. I've seen people use vinegar and/or coffee for etching knives. Maybe slightly safer. I don't think the process would change... just maybe the time you need to etch depending on the acid strength. Whatever you do make sure you neutralize the blade with baking soda after.
Awesome vid. Had been subbed, but I turned on notifications. Do you touch the knife barehanded right when you pull it from the acid?? Or is there some cleaning going on during this step
Thanks sir. Yes I did. I'm dunking it in water and spraying it with windex pretty soon in the process so a little acid on my hands doesn't bother me. Not sure if this is "bad" or not.
Red Beard Ops thanks for the reply, brother. Me neither, just wanted to make sure I was understanding right. Gonna give this a try soon. Love your work, keep it up 😎👍🏼
Man, I really don’t know The long term affects but I’ve never had issues with it on my skin. Just was up afterwards. Windex with ammonia will neutralize
Damn good question.. I feel like it helps everything "glide" together better while being shook... No proof or science there. I'm thinking it may help keep the blade from getting big long scratches in it. Now it's habit.
Is there a trick to keep the stonewashed finish on the spine ? The only solution for this problem I came across is to use some kind of screws as pins, but that’s very ugly.
Yes you can use fasteners for a take down handle, you could wax the handle and etch the whole knife, or you could employ a method like I did in this video - czcams.com/video/CbOj-k7M1us/video.html
Hey Brandon, when I do have a knife for sale I put it up on Instagram. But I don't keep and inventory and am not currently taking custom orders. Sorry bout that man.
⭐ Hey yall, here is an updated 2021 tutorial for stone washing - czcams.com/video/m6oKy2UDeLI/video.html
I started adding vinegar to my ferric, so like 45% water 45 ferric & 10% vinegar.... Also, I found if I dip the blade then wipe it down with the steel wool & keep dipping and wiping until it is completely even, then let it soak, it comes out darker and more even... after baking soda, I use penetrating oil to seal in the etch(stonewash or hamons)... take it easy...
Thanks for the tips!
I finally found the correct terminology for this exact finish that I was looking for!
Excellent Ivan!
I really like the looks of that finish. Thanks for all the instructional videos you do. As a person just starting out you not only give a lot of information clearly but you also list what you are using and where to get it, very helpful James, thanks.
Thanks for the kind words.
I've never been a big fan of the look of a stonewashed blade, but I love its durability. For working knives, it's hard to beat!
Thank you sir!
Hey, Just want to thank you so much for your videos. I just started making knives in my garage and you have been such a help. Keep up the great videos! Know that there is a guy in SC, watching in his garage as I make my own knives! You the Man!
Heck yeah Jason, really glad to hear that! That right there is why I make these videos. Have a great weekend in your shop, sir.
This is probably the best video I've watched in a Sunday with entirely too much time watching Internet videos. Simple, straight to the point, not a lot of "uhmmms" or rambling. Makes me wonder what in the heck someone is yakking about for 18 minutes when they talk about stonewashing.
Well done sir, very well done.
Thank you very much John! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thanks for linking me here. I have watched this one a few times already. It’s putting your makers mark etching that I am in the dark about. Stencils and AC/DC and all that business that I have o clue on. Thanks J
I see. When I'm going to be stone washing a blade I only etch DC (Deep) with my electro chemical etcher. Then I let the blade sit in the acid for around 9 min.
Ive been thinking about how I would attach my handle scales and contour them to the tang after stonewashing. The satin finish on the spine is the answer! Thanks man
Cheers man! If you want to keep the stone wash on the spine... You can use removable handle scales with gulso bolts or the like.
This was real simple. I usually mirror finish my blades but it’s too dang time consuming. This was a great tip. Also, hears a tip for you that you may try. I have a special reserve of ferric that has just a touch of mineral oil in it. It leaves the blades with a one-off pattern that is quite wild. Gives them this hydro-dip like pattern that I’ve come to find unique and enjoyable. Cheers!
nice!
To the point
Doesn't hold back
Good job...much success to you abd your business
Stonewash finish has always look the best I believe natural and classic
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I like the look of the wash without the tumbler effect
I have done a few with a very similar technique to yours. I made my ferric and seemed to work well.
Only difference lately is that it did this in stainless. Effect is a bit different and not as pronounced
Great video and instruction as always.
Thanks Nick, I have yet to ever work with stainless. I'm currently focusing on steels I can HT myself with my forge. That's cool it came out different though.
There's a different solution you're supposed to use with stainless. It looks really good. I don't remember what the solution is, seems like it was some type of drain cleaner, but there's at least one video on CZcams about the process because I watched it about a week ago and there's probably other videos I'm sure if you just keep digging.
Here's a link for stonewashed stainless. Haven't watched it yet, it just popped up in my feed but......
czcams.com/video/zP9tDWLbq6g/video.htmlsi=jvLT_9YRMkdHhWSe
I really like the stone wash finish. It gives a unique worn look to the metal. Of coarse a shiny knife is nice but they are a dime a dozen. I like your taste in knives as well. Thinking outside of what everyone else is doing! 👏
Thank you very much! I really like the finish not only for it's looks, but also because it wears well over time!!
Never tried the stone wash finish but love the finish
Glad you liked it Zach! I do too
Man there is so much to learn (for me so little time 72 years old) I have watched a lot of your videos (eye and ears open) In one of them you mentioned a process you use to produce wooden temples using 360 and your CNC machine. which involved photo coping and saving files so as to be able to save? please have you make a video on that subject yet if not go to your room till you do! could you consider one? or is the a video you might recommend I am a very fast learner and could pit it up quickly thanks (I'm crawling LOL)
Hey pop, there are a good deal of youtube videos out there on using CNC lasers. That's I I've been using. I use an Xtool laser with Lightburn as the software. This is my review - czcams.com/video/OJ-Ue1mtqgg/video.html
I wish I had seen all your vids when starting, Quality and Informative! Da Vinci was a redhead too
Lol, thank you sir! Happy you're enjoying them!
i used this for 1084 blades. it didnt darken it too much but as i left it longer than 10 mins it started to eat a bit into the metal. the 1084 was a bit uneven and motley after ht that wouldnt sand out too well.
as a result after the acid wash the blade almost looked like a damascus with a patchy uneven appearance that wasnt too bad.
after stonewash there wasnt a lot of wash feature but enough to get the idea of what had been done.
blade could have been darker and wash feature could have been more pronounced.
i think it was an inherent problem with the 1084 bar stock more than anything else.
This is an updated version of this video - czcams.com/video/m6oKy2UDeLI/video.html
All the blades I've stone washed have been 1084; I've found that the heat treatment needs to be very even for good results as well.
Cheers! Good luck with your projects!
@@RedBeardOps yes i think the ht company has lost its touch and i will be changing them.
i normally use only 440c and bring up to mirror so just started in 1084.
did another ht 1084 yesterday and you could see when it was in the acid that a portion of the blade wasnt turning to the black and then wouldnt accept the stone wash finish. before i tried the stone washing and was sanding back thru the grits as with a 440c process i normally use
the 1084 would show a mottled uneven patchy finish. thats why im trying a stone wash process to eliminate that patchy finish. like it had been burnt in patches.
anything past about 600 grit was hiliting the uneven finish so id have to leave it at a satin which is harder to do than a mirror!
could be the 1084 itself but im thinking more the heat treater.
cheers
Excellent video. Straightforward and to the point. Love that knife you're using as a demo. Thanks.
Thank you Cameron!
Thank you for answering my questions so quickly
No problem 😊
Watched a bunch of videos about stone wash finish but yours was the best. Straight to the point and showed the result at the end. thanks for sharing. have you by any chance done etching with battery acid? if yes, how was the result?
@Peiman Hd thanks for the praise! Glad you got something out of it! I have never etched with battery acid; I don't see why it wouldn't work though. Be careful.
Thanks for tutorial, my first one trying came out really nice.
Awesome to hear!
A brilliant Idea and very interesting. The result is awesome. Thanks for that 👍👍
Thank you! Cheers! - Make sure to check out the video I put out Friday on this same topic!
yeah very good method. tutorial really pro finish
Glad you think so!
Good video. How does one do a "blackwash" finish seen on many Kershaws and other? Black oxide?
You know I'm not sure. It could very well be Black Oxide.
Stonewash looks tough as rocks
I love your work bro I started out having a lot of the tools listed in your beginner video and moved up to having all pro gear minus the power hammer. I have a question as far as other finish variations ie how do you get the flat grey color you see on factory made knives etc. I also had a question about bits and alternative methods in using them ie I’ve seen some guys using either their drill presses or mills like a router and etching/carving out their knife blanks using the side of the bit. I’m assuming that’s a cobalt bit of some sort? I’d really like to know. I have a band saw which has sped the process up quite a bit but I’d love to use the press considering in my shop I’m always in arms reach of it. Anyway much appreciated!
Hey AJ, really happy you're enjoying the videos! I must say I'm not versed in many other finished. This stone wash finish is one of the main finishes I use. You could also look into cold blueing and finishes of that nature. I still use my band saw to cut out blanks since it's fast! The mill would take forever unless you had a huge CNC mill. Cheers sir! Have a great week!
The matte Grey I think is a sandblasted finish
Great finish on the knives! I noticed the rocks in your tumbler are more like river pebbles (ie. smooth) would crushed rocks (ie. rough) be too harsh? I've learned a lot from watching your videos.
To be honest I don't know, but I bet any type of rocks will work. You'll just have to test how long you tumble for the specific finish you're after.
Is there a way that you can preserve the stonewash on the tang while finishing the scales?
Sure is! Check out this build - czcams.com/video/PkkVVYiNrrY/video.html
Your voice is so relaxing
Lol, hey Reckless... haven't heard that one before, but THANKS!
@@RedBeardOps You have potential, is what I ment xD
Great presentation as usual Full of very understandable & very useable info!!!
Thank you very much! Glad you liked it!
It's hard to tell from most videos but most of the stonewashed knives I've seen seem to come out with a flat or matt finish, I'm looking for a little more shiny finish like a semi gloss. Does a knife that's been polished to a semi gloss raw steel come out stonewashed with a semi gloss finish or does the stonewash make it matt or flat regardless? Or is there a way to bring out a slight sheen after the stonewash finish? I'm not a big fan of a dull, matt or flat look on a steel knife blade.
You may be able to coffee etch to make a darker stone wash and keep it oiled for a sheen. I'm not sure this method will do what you want though
How are you doing your brand name on the blade? That is so clean looking...?
I got a stencil from these guys - www.tustech.com/admin/home
And built this etching machine - czcams.com/video/bcg5XB_sG-8/video.html
Awesome, thanks for the info. Love your videos... they make it easy to learn!
Nice knife brother! You do great work!
Thanks!
Working on knife #5 and I definitely wanna try stonewash great tip thank you I'll subscribe to your channel I like your work gonna see what else you have on your channel
Heck yeah, good luck sir!
Can I have some information on thus blade you did in this video?
What would you like to know?
Can this technique be used on any metal such as 1095 carbon steel?
Should work!
Great videos, really instructional. Can you get a similar finish from a hot vinegar soak, and then stonewashing?
Hey Peter, I haven't tried it! I've seen people etch with lemon juice I think for hamons.
does this work on N690 stainless steel? great video
I dont' know
Thats a sweet looking BLADE sir -- 👍👍
Chad Damron thank you sir!! Thanks for watching too! 🙌
I’m gonna try this soon looks great !!
Dumb question but do you do this process after you heat treat the knife !?
Good luck! And yes, after HT for the etch.
Hello Mr Redbeard. Im making exclusivly full tang knifes and are about to try the etched stonewash finish. I see u only keep the etch on the blade and not the tang and spine, is it possible to etch those parts after the handle is finished to give it an a more consistent finish? Or will the ferric chloride stain any material ot comes on contact with? Best regards, Niklas / Sweden
Hey Niklas! I've never tried it but I have seen it done. On method you could do is use take down hardware. So that the knife can be taken apart after handle shaping.
@@RedBeardOps thx for the reply 👍 will give it a try. But will probably end up with giving it the same finish as yours 😉 have a great day!
Could you do this with an Axe head?
I don't see why not! The darkness of the etch will likely depend on the hardness of the axe.
How does it look if I skip the etching process?
with rock tumbling? idk, never tried it, but it probably looks like a sanded knife with scratches on it.
Very Nice ! How does this wear when in normal use ? Many Thanx and again Very Nice.
So far so good. One of the things I like about a stonewashed blade is that any minor scratches on the blade are generally incorporated into the finish. Like all carbon steel blades it will still require cleaning and oiling from time to tome. Make a point to neutralize the acid with baking soda or Windex with ammonia.
Nice finish. I've been looking for a finish for hunting/camping/bushcraft type knives. Can anyone comment as to differences if any between smooth river rock vs. small pea gravel as far as results?
BTW subbed !
Thanks Greg! I've only used some rocks. I've heard good things about ceramic tumbling media.
Do you have a alternative to ferric chloride? I heard Battery Acid will work and if so, what process changes from ur tutorial with Ferric Chloride? Thanks man
I'm sure it could work. I've seen people use vinegar and/or coffee for etching knives. Maybe slightly safer. I don't think the process would change... just maybe the time you need to etch depending on the acid strength. Whatever you do make sure you neutralize the blade with baking soda after.
Can do. appreciate the video and info
Whats your mixture of acid/water ratio?
50/50 mix
Possible to use whink to etch instead of the acid? I have it already to etch titanium for anodizing.
Hey Matthew, I have no idea! Give it a go!
is it necessary, to acid the knife before you stonewash, or can you go straight to the stonewash?
the acid makes it dark. Guess it all depends on the look you're going for.
Thanks for the video. Would the stonewash work without doing the acid etch first? I have a coated blade that I want to look “blackwashed.” Any advice?
What do you mean by "coated". Is it powder coated? I don't have any experience trying that... but I guess it could work out. Not sure.
JKeetonKnives it is a black cerakote. It won’t be fully cured yet, so I think the stonewash will still be able to wear some of it away.
@@njo9966 Should be interesting! Sounds wild
Awesome vid. Had been subbed, but I turned on notifications. Do you touch the knife barehanded right when you pull it from the acid?? Or is there some cleaning going on during this step
Thanks sir. Yes I did. I'm dunking it in water and spraying it with windex pretty soon in the process so a little acid on my hands doesn't bother me. Not sure if this is "bad" or not.
Red Beard Ops thanks for the reply, brother. Me neither, just wanted to make sure I was understanding right. Gonna give this a try soon. Love your work, keep it up 😎👍🏼
Is it okay to touch the acid? Like will it burn your skin or harm you?? Asking for a friend👀
Man, I really don’t know The long term affects but I’ve never had issues with it on my skin. Just was up afterwards. Windex with ammonia will neutralize
Do I need to tumble immediately after acid washing or can I wait?
I've never waited, but I don't see why you couldn't
Why do you scrub all the black off?
It's just a little built up gunk on the surface.
What is the wd40 for?
Damn good question.. I feel like it helps everything "glide" together better while being shook... No proof or science there. I'm thinking it may help keep the blade from getting big long scratches in it. Now it's habit.
@@RedBeardOps better safe than sorry
what's in there with the stones? or is that just buildup of wd40 over time.
Yeah just WD40 and dirt
Is there a trick to keep the stonewashed finish on the spine ? The only solution for this problem I came across is to use some kind of screws as pins, but that’s very ugly.
Yes you can use fasteners for a take down handle, you could wax the handle and etch the whole knife, or you could employ a method like I did in this video - czcams.com/video/CbOj-k7M1us/video.html
Take off the tips of the screws and walla it should look decent
I feel it cuts smoother. You?
It cuts great! for sure
Wow i like the knife you used as an example. Whats it called?? Thx for the cool vid.
Hey Jordy. I call that one my "skinner"
EXSELLENT JOB
Thank you very much!
Is there an easy way to undo this finish ?
The easiest way to remove the finish is to re-grind-sand though it. Cheers man. Good luck
Texas boy! Do You sell locally?
Hey Brandon, when I do have a knife for sale I put it up on Instagram. But I don't keep and inventory and am not currently taking custom orders. Sorry bout that man.
@@RedBeardOps
I don’t have Instagram but hook a boy from Fort Worth up
Stone wash after Ferric Chloride seems to be pretty sexy
Thank you Luke!