How to "reblack" a kamisori

[ladykate]

As was said, just about any weak acidic solution will do the job. I've done a couple of blades now (the blades sorta sucked but the patina was wonderful). I used warm vinegar. Clean the metal (did we say that already...???) and drop the blade into a solution of household vinegar that has been warmed in a microwave. Do it outside. It will start to bubble. Wait five minutes, take it out and wash it off (don't rub it or, if you do, rub it with a very soft cloth). Dip it again for another five minutes in warm solution. You will get a very nice patina. Protect the parts you don't want affected with finger nail polish or other lacquer. I protect the edge on mine and then hit it again on a polishing stone or lapping film.

Here is an example. Blade sucked but the patina was nice.

[casus4844]

Got it. Thanks for the advice! No need to make the trip then. And they don't make kamis either, even though they were made here a long time ago.... quite sad... They said it was too complicated.

[Kentos]

Gun blue, maybe 4 coats, on a full hollow. Havent honed it up, but the edge looks pretty OK, as opposed to swiss cheese.

[ladykate]

Gun blue, maybe 4 coats, on a full hollow. Havent honed it up, but the edge looks pretty OK, as opposed to swiss cheese.

That is pretty sweet. What blue did you settle on using? Are you going to tape the spine or let it wear so you have two bright hone marks on each side? I like either way but the uniformity you got makes me think keeping it dark would be cool...

[Doc226]

Gun blue, maybe 4 coats, on a full hollow. Havent honed it up, but the edge looks pretty OK, as opposed to swiss cheese.

What no sandal pictures this time? HAHAHAHA

[TnutsShave]

DAMN YOU PEOPLE! Ok, so I've made scales, restored blades, and I thought I was done.

Must. Start. Blueing. Blades.

You guys really are just the worst sort of people. I'm certain that Alfredo is behind this, even if Kentos started the thread.

[Doc226]

DAMN YOU PEOPLE! Ok, so I've made scales, restored blades, and I thought I was done.

Must. Start. Blueing. Blades.

You guys really are just the worst sort of people. I'm certain that Alfredo is behind this, even if Kentos started the thread.

Done-are you kidding. You have not made blades yet. Gotta keep working.

[Kentos]

What no sandal pictures this time? HAHAHAHA

The first pic had em

[mainaman]

You can blue it, but the way they make them the black effect is called kuroichi and is a remain from the heat treat stage.
Bluing the blade will not render the same effect as the original process.