Northerncraftsman Posted November 28, 2020 Share Posted November 28, 2020 Hey guys. im currently working on a dagger an need some help. i feel like the brass is to «shiney» is there a way of darkening it? Heat treating it in some way? or should i just scrap it and go with steel og iron... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frazer Posted November 28, 2020 Share Posted November 28, 2020 Sorry, I can't answer your question, but I'm sure someone else will be along who can. I just wanted to say that is one very nice looking dagger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northerncraftsman Posted November 28, 2020 Author Share Posted November 28, 2020 Thnaks! My first double egde weapon, chistmas gift for my brother. And first time using Brass. Dont like the shine... the plan for the pommel is an 8-sided diamond ish shape, if you know what i mean. Nothing is finished yet, blade has not been etched. Its low layer damask, should look quite bold when i get it in the acid:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frazer Posted November 28, 2020 Share Posted November 28, 2020 I'm a fan of copper over brass, generally speaking. Mostly because its softer and it looks nicer (in my opinion) with darker woods.. Plus the color gets better with a little patina on there. More of a personal preference than a recommendation. I had a feeling it was damascus. I like the low layer patterns, you often see things you wouldn't if there were a whole lot of layers. That'll be a very nice gift, I'm sure your brother will like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 Livers of sulfur darkens copper based alloys. (Or search under "patination of brass".) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 You can get a nice matte finish on brass by using a steel bristle wire wheel. Try it on a piece of scrap brass and see how you like it. the harder wire bristles leave little pits in the softer brass. You can adjust the finish a bit by how hard you press the brass piece against the turning wheel. Also, using a fine or coarse wheel will make a difference. Practive with scrap until you feel confident. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 I have used this method to patina new brass when restoring old muzzleloader's. It works well to age the brass so it looks like it is old not bright & shiny. The brass must be cleaned with acetone or lacquer thinner wearing nitrile or rubber gloves so no skin oils gets on them. Two or three hard-boiled eggs (boiled for at least 5 minutes; the yolk should be solid). A small shallow dish on which to place your brass pieces. A Ziploc freezer bag. The bag must be large enough to hold the small dish plus the hard-boiled eggs with room to spare usually a gallon bag. Chop the boiled eggs. Place the brass on the small dish. Add the chopped eggs to the Ziploc bag. Place the small dish in the middle of the eggs inside the Ziploc Bag. The egg should not touch the metal. Close the Ziploc Bag. Leave it alone! You will be tempted to look but don't! Using a Ziploc bag will help you withstand temptation. You can open the Ziploc bag when the metal darkens to the color you want. Throw away the eggs, and shine your piece leaving some of the detail oxidized. The process usually takes 4 to 6 hours, longer if it's not dark enough. This process works well on silver and copper too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frazer Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 I'm assuming the sulfur in the eggs is what's driving that? Sidenote.... Are you sure you can't eat the eggs when you're done...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 Eating cooked eggs not in their shell and left out at room temperature for 8 hours is not generally suggested! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northerncraftsman Posted November 29, 2020 Author Share Posted November 29, 2020 Thanks everyone! This egg thing sound quite amazing to be honest. Have to try this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Using the sealed in a container with but not touching works with ammonia too. Left long enough it will produce varying degrees of verdigris. It should take the shine off but I haven't tried just aging. Urine should do it too. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.