This was a very humble and informative video. You are new in my list of recommended but have earned a sub. I'll be checking in to see what else you produce.
I was just thinking I might try it with rocks in a coffee can, so I'm glad you said that. Might also try etching with sulfuric acid, because I already have some.
Thanks for sharing this quick tip video on how to stonewash a knife. I too think it is one of the better looking/cooler finishes one can put on a knife. Kind of gives it a more rugged appearance. I have a brass tumbler for reloading, but I know that I wouldn't want to mix the two application, so I may have to go with your budget suggestion at first. I still haven't found/figured out my anvil and forge situation and where to put a small shop on my Dad's property so I may have to go the stock removal route to get practice in designing knives, finishing blades and handles and this would be sweet to add to that. Thanks again Liam.
My father, God rest his soul teached my how to stonewash my knifes. But you have a more details on how to do it step by step Mr. Hoffman. I really learned a lot and thanks for the knowledge bro.
Very nice finish, that's the first time I have seen that. I look forward to trying it myself. Thank you. The only criticism I have, is a better close-up shot of the finished blade would be appreciated, for my old eyes. Very good instructional video. Go for what you know.
Hi, great video, could you do a video on sharpening angles for different purposes, IE what angle for a chefs knife or a hunting knife, whether its better to have a thin blade v's a thicker one and what would be best to make the knives out of. I would like to make some knives, I currently only do architectural iron work but would like to diversify!
Is the finish more durable or is it just that it has the ability to hide scratches better? Ability to hide or camouflage scratches is not the same as durability.
I have a question about the etching, I have tried using 40% ferric chloride acid and on my test etches they just come out flat grey even when I have left it in for 40 minutes in like yours whee it come out black ... where am I going wrong ????
If you're just getting in to this you can get less expensive tumblers. I've got a Franklin Armory tumbler that I paid like $65 for. Any sporting goods store that sells reloading supplies should have one.Just remember, you do get what you pay for. Don't expect a $65 tumbler to be professional grade.
Do you find that multiple etching cycles produce darker results that a longer single cycle? Will two, five minute cycles darker more than one, ten minute cycle?
RC 80’s Kid - Shorter etch cycles with more of them is almost always better than fewer etch cycles that are longer. For example, when etching pattern welded steel, one long etch will end up making the patterns look more "fuzzy", while shorter cycles with cleaning off the oxides between each etch will provide a more high def look that's more clear and more chatoyant, which basically means that it catches the light at different angles to create more depth and more shimmer). The key seems to be cleaning off the oxides between each etch cycle so that the acid has a fresh surface of the steel to etch. Keeping them somewhat shorter helps keep the oxides from building up of the steel and affecting the etch, which happens if left in the acid for too long. At least this is how I've always understood what was happening. Almost forgot to add that another benefit of shorter cycles is that you can keep an eye on the progress and make sure there are no odd blemishes caused by oil (or something) on the blade to keep them from getting away from you during a long etch.
Thanks for the video! Question: It appears that your knife design an exposed tang. Doesn't it create an unsightly contrast between blade and tang when the knife is finished to only etch the blade?
Scales will be applied later? Not etching the portion of the blade that will come in contact with and be hidden by the scales, prevents removing too much material that may make contact with the scales less even and consistent, especially when requiring crisp square edges on the tang.
Can you reverse the procedure after stone washing??Making it shiny again?? I have a new model Safe Maker Push dagger that apparently is stonewashed from factory but i don't like it..... Appreciate any info
Sandpaper and patience. Start with maybe 220 and start working up. 600-800 is a good working finish, once you get into the thousands you begin to approach a mirror polish. Add in a little glass cleaner now and then, I find that helps me get a finer finish. It's messy as all hell and takes a while, but set aside some time to do it, grab some music to listen to and just get lost in the process. I'd also suggest doing one side at a time so that you can flip the blade over and get an instant look at how far you've come.
Couple questions. I have tons of knife and have been collecting and sharpening for a while but just recently I have started anodizing and also got a 1x30 belt sander with 5" disc, one of the small ones. I also just bought stuff for stone washing and acid etching. So do I have to sand the knife up to 320 with the belt sander and keep the lines going the same way and perfect or would it work if i do it with my dremel or by hand...I'm asking because I haven't used the belt sander yet and not sure if I can keep the knife shape exactly with say hollow grinds and flat spots and stuff. Second question is do I have to acid etch before stonewashing? What are the benefits? Just a darker stonewash look? I wasnt going to get the etching stuff but decided last minute. They will all by folding knives that I'm doing. And I also have nail polish to do where the washers go and the detent ball radius before etching. It must come off when I stonewash but not be a big deal?
Paul Lonardo - If you can't get a decent finish off of a belt grinder (sander) then hand sanding is definitely the way to go, as a Dremel will mostly likely mess up the knife/finish. Do a quick search on TH-cam for "Nick Wheeler hand sanding 101" and you'll learn the basic and proper techniques to get a decent hand rubbed finish. You don't need to etch before stonewashing, unless you're going for an "acid stonewashed" look, which is what makes the blade darker to highlight the stonewashed effect and what Liam did here, otherwise it will simply be a stonewashed blade with all the same color shade, which can also look nice, but it's pretty much a different look. Good luck!
dofler - You _can_ use vinegar, but the etch will be more of a light grey instead of a dark grey/black that a ferric chloride etch will create. I've seen guys use some things such as a foot and a half long or so (whatever will fit you blade with left over room for the stones and space to tumble) section of pvc pipe and seal a cap on the bottom then fill it with rocks (or other tumbling media) and then put the blade in, put some type of lubricant in, then put a cap top and finally shake it or roll it around on the ground until they get the look they like. Do some google searching and you'll surely find some creative and simple DIY/makeshift tumblers or other homemade stonewashing devices.
Id love to get a stonewashed finish on a flip knife I'm gonna rehandle but dam I can't buy all the stuff needed for just one blade, unless I can just "stonewash" the current black paint stuff on it
Mr. Frogman99 yeah you can, if you’re on about the factory black paint that is put on knives apparently they come out looking pretty good when stone washed
Do you apply anything special to the blade to keep it looking good after completion? I mean something besides WD-40 like a special oil or linseed oil or type of wax?
Hey man thanks for the great video. I just started experimenting around with stonewashing. I’m wondering if I use that same Tumbler with Pea gravel if the result would be similar? Have you tried it?
You probably know already but just tryna help, wd40 is slightly corrosive, not sure if that's what you're using to oil your knives but wouldn't want them corroding on you
8:20 that fairy tail sound cracked me up xD btw i wonder if you temper* the knife to become golden (before the etching step), if th golden color comes through after the tumbling? *en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_(metallurgy)#Tempering_colors
Just what I’ve been looking for , thanks for passing on the knowledge. Can I ask when it comes to say a knife grip being a different colour is this where you just anodise it beforehand then use the same tumble method with 3x media Thanks once again
Hoffman Blacksmithing I was saying if you do an exposed tang and only stone wash the blade then you will see the un stonewashed metal and it will look weird won’t it?
I'll ask once again....Do you apply anything special to the blade to keep it looking good after completion? I mean something besides WD-40 like a special oil or linseed oil or type of wax?
Renaissance Wax is great as a rust inhibitor I buy mine at K&G supplies in Arizona. www.knifeandgun.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Renaissance+Wax+&Submit=
![You Can Forge a Knife Correctly [Here's How] !](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NJeGALX8UNQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![You Can Forge a Knife Correctly [Here's How] !](/img/tr.png)
Multi faceted kid! You are amazing. You have diffinetly found what you need to be doing. Great work.
The advice about sanding at least up to 320 grit was invaluable. Couldn't understand why my etching looked so bad lol Thank you Sir!
This was a very humble and informative video. You are new in my list of recommended but have earned a sub. I'll be checking in to see what else you produce.
I was just thinking I might try it with rocks in a coffee can, so I'm glad you said that. Might also try etching with sulfuric acid, because I already have some.
Great look!
Thanks for showing
I had no idea how that look was achieved. So quick too. Pretty amazing. Love these videos! Thanks, you really rock (pun intended).
Sandblasting before stonewashing also works really well and quickly. Takes off hardening scale in a minute and leaves it ready for etching.
Thanks for sharing this quick tip video on how to stonewash a knife. I too think it is one of the better looking/cooler finishes one can put on a knife. Kind of gives it a more rugged appearance. I have a brass tumbler for reloading, but I know that I wouldn't want to mix the two application, so I may have to go with your budget suggestion at first.
I still haven't found/figured out my anvil and forge situation and where to put a small shop on my Dad's property so I may have to go the stock removal route to get practice in designing knives, finishing blades and handles and this would be sweet to add to that. Thanks again Liam.
Thanks for the excellent tips on how to!!! Like your knife design - very tactical!
Stonewashing also helps deter rust . Great video thank you !
Great video Liam thanks I definitely need to try this process again 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for the information. I have always wondered how this finish was achieved.
My father, God rest his soul teached my how to stonewash my knifes. But you have a more details on how to do it step by step Mr. Hoffman. I really learned a lot and thanks for the knowledge bro.
That was an amazing tutorial. Thanks so much.
Wow that looks great and you made it seem pretty easy! Thanks for sharing
Great Video..... How do you do the tang now?
You are quite the green thumb lol. Thanks I am actually going to try etching my first knife this weekend and this answered some questions I had.
Helpful in numerous ways. Going to procure that vibratory tumbler. Subscribed! Bumped from 2.2 to 2.3K likes :)
Could I do this on a ring
Thanks so much, best of luck!
Nice... Awesome blade...
Such a cool finish!
If the tang is exposed in the handle, should it also have the patina of the blade?
Thanks for sharing
Why are some stonewashed knives are silver in colour? Did they simply skip the acid etching process?
Very nice finish, that's the first time I have seen that. I look forward to trying it myself. Thank you. The only criticism I have, is a better close-up shot of the finished blade would be appreciated, for my old eyes. Very good instructional video. Go for what you know.
Where to find the finished knife??? 😉
How does this finish hold up against rusting?
Beautiful knife,great video. Thank you.
Does a stone wash finish impart any corrosion resistance?
Hi, great video, could you do a video on sharpening angles for different purposes, IE what angle for a chefs knife or a hunting knife, whether its better to have a thin blade v's a thicker one and what would be best to make the knives out of. I would like to make some knives, I currently only do architectural iron work but would like to diversify!
Is the finish more durable or is it just that it has the ability to hide scratches better?
Ability to hide or camouflage scratches is not the same as durability.
What was in that watering can to cause ceramic stones to sprout a tree?
Just stumbled across this video and got a good laugh out of the watered plant.
What's the purpose of adding water to the tumbler?
That’s a helluva stack of knives thanks for the video interesting
Great video, I really like the more rustic look on knives!
I can't get ahold of feric cloride but will muriatic acid work?
Thanks so much I'm going to give it a try
Thank you for the video Liam!!! I am going to try it on my next knife.
Ia that a jistin thompson knifes shirt?
How long was the first etching time?
I have a question about the etching, I have tried using 40% ferric chloride acid and on my test etches they just come out flat grey even when I have left it in for 40 minutes in like yours whee it come out black ... where am I going wrong ????
3:50 nice pile of awesomeness. :)
Whta the correct name of the type of acid I need?
Ferric Chloride
If you're just getting in to this you can get less expensive tumblers. I've got a Franklin Armory tumbler that I paid like $65 for. Any sporting goods store that sells reloading supplies should have one.Just remember, you do get what you pay for. Don't expect a $65 tumbler to be professional grade.
You should have been on the Super Champion FIF episode!!!!
Can you get the same result with 1075 carbon steel
In between etching and adding the final oil at the end, could you etch a logo into it? Or is the logo first then the etching and tumbling? Thank you
Thank you for the video.
Do you find that multiple etching cycles produce darker results that a longer single cycle? Will two, five minute cycles darker more than one, ten minute cycle?
RC 80’s Kid - Shorter etch cycles with more of them is almost always better than fewer etch cycles that are longer. For example, when etching pattern welded steel, one long etch will end up making the patterns look more "fuzzy", while shorter cycles with cleaning off the oxides between each etch will provide a more high def look that's more clear and more chatoyant, which basically means that it catches the light at different angles to create more depth and more shimmer). The key seems to be cleaning off the oxides between each etch cycle so that the acid has a fresh surface of the steel to etch. Keeping them somewhat shorter helps keep the oxides from building up of the steel and affecting the etch, which happens if left in the acid for too long. At least this is how I've always understood what was happening. Almost forgot to add that another benefit of shorter cycles is that you can keep an eye on the progress and make sure there are no odd blemishes caused by oil (or something) on the blade to keep them from getting away from you during a long etch.
can you do a stone wash in a rolling tumber like a car wheel?
what was the specific media you used
Fantastic, Sorry I don't understand English. What a superficial treatment before the drumming with stones.
Great job man that looks awesome and always love the vids 🔨💪
Thanks for the video! Question: It appears that your knife design an exposed tang. Doesn't it create an unsightly contrast between blade and tang when the knife is finished to only etch the blade?
Scales will be applied later? Not etching the portion of the blade that will come in contact with and be hidden by the scales, prevents removing too much material that may make contact with the scales less even and consistent, especially when requiring crisp square edges on the tang.
Two questions: what is the acid...name/brand (where would I find it) and what do you do to protect the finish post tumbling? Thanks!
which media did you get from McMaster-carr? I live in Ga and need new media for stonewashing
Can you reverse the procedure after stone washing??Making it shiny again??
I have a new model Safe Maker Push dagger that apparently is stonewashed from factory but i don't like it.....
Appreciate any info
Sandpaper and patience. Start with maybe 220 and start working up. 600-800 is a good working finish, once you get into the thousands you begin to approach a mirror polish. Add in a little glass cleaner now and then, I find that helps me get a finer finish. It's messy as all hell and takes a while, but set aside some time to do it, grab some music to listen to and just get lost in the process. I'd also suggest doing one side at a time so that you can flip the blade over and get an instant look at how far you've come.
Couple questions. I have tons of knife and have been collecting and sharpening for a while but just recently I have started anodizing and also got a 1x30 belt sander with 5" disc, one of the small ones. I also just bought stuff for stone washing and acid etching. So do I have to sand the knife up to 320 with the belt sander and keep the lines going the same way and perfect or would it work if i do it with my dremel or by hand...I'm asking because I haven't used the belt sander yet and not sure if I can keep the knife shape exactly with say hollow grinds and flat spots and stuff. Second question is do I have to acid etch before stonewashing? What are the benefits? Just a darker stonewash look? I wasnt going to get the etching stuff but decided last minute. They will all by folding knives that I'm doing. And I also have nail polish to do where the washers go and the detent ball radius before etching. It must come off when I stonewash but not be a big deal?
Paul Lonardo - If you can't get a decent finish off of a belt grinder (sander) then hand sanding is definitely the way to go, as a Dremel will mostly likely mess up the knife/finish. Do a quick search on TH-cam for "Nick Wheeler hand sanding 101" and you'll learn the basic and proper techniques to get a decent hand rubbed finish. You don't need to etch before stonewashing, unless you're going for an "acid stonewashed" look, which is what makes the blade darker to highlight the stonewashed effect and what Liam did here, otherwise it will simply be a stonewashed blade with all the same color shade, which can also look nice, but it's pretty much a different look. Good luck!
Will your jaegars be available again??
The key to this is not leaving it in the tumbler too long. Took me two or three blades to figure this out.
very cool! want to experiment with this!
Thumbs up and enjoyed as well!
Will you be putting that stack of blades for sale on your website?
is that knife forged?
Do you etch the tangs as well to match the blade finish? Or do you leave the spine and tang polished?
Bennett Snipes
instagram.com/p/Bgbeh_IhjkS/?igshid=189jnat6es8p2
Good video .. Bro
What steel were those knives made from? I liked the dark etch they took.
Great vid, question. Can I use vinegar instead of acid?
What do you recommend for stone washing a large blade like a kabar BK9 please?
dofler - You _can_ use vinegar, but the etch will be more of a light grey instead of a dark grey/black that a ferric chloride etch will create. I've seen guys use some things such as a foot and a half long or so (whatever will fit you blade with left over room for the stones and space to tumble) section of pvc pipe and seal a cap on the bottom then fill it with rocks (or other tumbling media) and then put the blade in, put some type of lubricant in, then put a cap top and finally shake it or roll it around on the ground until they get the look they like. Do some google searching and you'll surely find some creative and simple DIY/makeshift tumblers or other homemade stonewashing devices.
Id love to get a stonewashed finish on a flip knife I'm gonna rehandle but dam I can't buy all the stuff needed for just one blade, unless I can just "stonewash" the current black paint stuff on it
Mr. Frogman99 yeah you can, if you’re on about the factory black paint that is put on knives apparently they come out looking pretty good when stone washed
Thank you
I appreciate the advice. Your work is outstanding.
Do you apply anything special to the blade to keep it looking good after completion? I mean something besides WD-40 like a special oil or linseed oil or type of wax?
Great job man, I love that look, gonna do some of mine. BTW , can I borrow yer tumbler man.
Hey man thanks for the great video. I just started experimenting around with stonewashing. I’m wondering if I use that same Tumbler with Pea gravel if the result would be similar? Have you tried it?
I really want a Jaeger.
Thanks bro!!
sweet video.just subbed.
cool
I threw a sword in the ocean, just waiting for the tide to do its magic, then i'll pick it up tomorrow morning.
Did you get the sword?
where can i purchase the knife shown in the video!???!
You probably know already but just tryna help, wd40 is slightly corrosive, not sure if that's what you're using to oil your knives but wouldn't want them corroding on you
8:20 that fairy tail sound cracked me up xD
btw i wonder if you temper* the knife to become golden (before the etching step), if th golden color comes through after the tumbling?
*en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_(metallurgy)#Tempering_colors
Just what I’ve been looking for , thanks for passing on the knowledge.
Can I ask when it comes to say a knife grip being a different colour is this where you just anodise it beforehand then use the same tumble method with 3x media
Thanks once again
Stone washed. That's new to me
Good video but personally I don't like the tumbled look. Acid etch, rinse, dry, finish sharping and hey - that me.
Why don’t you do this to the tang, if you do a full tang it will show the none stonewashed stuff
Why don't you?
Hoffman Blacksmithing I was saying if you do an exposed tang and only stone wash the blade then you will see the un stonewashed metal and it will look weird won’t it?
8.22 Dude i thought you were taking a wizz on that..
Close up of the blade would be better 🤔can't really see it .
I'll ask once again....Do you apply anything special to the blade to keep it looking good after completion? I mean something besides WD-40 like a special oil or linseed oil or type of wax?
Renaissance Wax is great as a rust inhibitor I buy mine at K&G supplies in Arizona. www.knifeandgun.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Renaissance+Wax+&Submit=
Cool video bro. I’m glad I came across your channel I’m definitely didn’t that subscribe button
Gloves, great! Eye-protection= big fat 0!!
Thanks for not answering anyones questions!
stonewashing is not for me. it weakens the steel, and scratches the etching, making it more prone to rusting. no thank you!
Stop yelling, take off your ear muffs
bro, have you ever heard of editing?