corrosive gasoline?

[Rifleman1776]

On another thread I was criticized for stating a faux-damascus finish was put on a knife blade using bleach. The critic said gasoline was used, not bleach. I didn't respond because, at the time, I wasn't in the mood to get into a debate. (rare for me :wink: ) Especially when I was not positive about the issue.
So, I'm asking: does gasoline errode/corrode steel and give a faux-damascus type finish?
Personally, I'm dubious it does. Otherwise every internal combustion engine in the world would be in serious trouble and we would not be able to store it in steel containers, etc.
Please confirm, or shoot down, the idea of using bleach to create a rough finish.

 

[LaBonte]

Yes bleach is and can be used to age steel/iron, (never said it didn't and I use that method a lot) but the finish on the knives in question is not done by that method - the look of bleached steel is different and neither really look like PW Damascus.
As for the gasoline method I've never used it so I'm not sure of the process but I believe it uses gasoline and heat i.e. dip in gas and flame on? I got the info on the gas aging finish from a friend who is an expert in antiques and their fakes.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I guess it depends whether the gasoline is lit? Then you're just burning off the oil protection I suppose. Run your engine without oil and you'll see harsh effects (from friction - not oxidation).

I don't believe gasoline will do thing. I have used, at various times, Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine bleach, mustard, fruit slices (I did a Bess that was in the white by rubbing apple slices on it from a "wild" tree and it came out great). You need acids and/or oxidizers.

Bleach does not give it a rough finish, though it will pit stainless steel. I guess it would if you left it on. Never tried long term immersion.

Years ago I "aged" a carbon steel knife by slathering it with French's Mustard and wrapping it with wet cotton gauze and just letting it sit for a week. Don't recall where that tip came from (Muzzleloader or Muzzleblast Magazines most likely). It made a really good aged look - but be warned it did cause some pitting. In that case it didn't hurt.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Possibly...there are many different types of gasoline and many different types of metal....
Gasoline containing Ethanol is indeed corrosive to many types of metal.

I'm guessing there is more to process than you are being told.

 

[Dean2]

Gasoline, regular, high test, leaded, unleaded, aviation grade, ethanol/no ethanol or whatever is NOT corrosive to steel, iron or stainless steel. You can leave gas in contact with any of these for years and the worst you will get is a layer of varnish. I have worked on enough 2- 40 year old vehicles and small planes that still had gas in them to be positive of that. Therefore, if it is being used to make a Damascus look on steel I have no idea how it is being done.

 

[CrackStock]

Gasoline?

Would like to have more details on how that works.

I have used hot vinegar to get a deep gray finish on a knife. It got almost to a French gray look.

But the only method for making a faux Damascus that I used was with cheap yellow mustard. Dabbed it on in a less than uniform manner and left it in a damp area for a couple of days. Used steel wool to lightly take it back and repeated the process a few times until happy with the look. The finish was pretty good and lasted for a while.

CS

 

[LRB]

I would guess, that if gasoline is involved, it set on fire while on the blade before the grips are installed. Even then, I am skeptical of the results. Another possibility is that the gasoline is applied before tempering takes place, and the residue left by the gasoline produces the finish from the temper heats. Maybe just me, but I don't like that finish anyway. It in no way looks natural, or at all like Damascus. Even for those who think it looks like Damascus, those types of knives were never made with Damascus. At least not in the time frame they are intended to represent. That said, they are of good value for the price, and perform very well.

 

[Dean2]

Damascus isn't all that hard to make so I don't really see the point of the faux finishes. Between wire rope Damascus, regular Damascus, as well as Japanese style folded steel, heat and a hammer makes the finish a lot faster than trying to do it with Bleach or other liquids.

That said, still wouldn't mind hearing how someone does this with Gasoline.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Gasoline, regular, high test, leaded, unleaded, aviation grade, ethanol/no ethanol or whatever is NOT corrosive to steel, iron or stainless steel. You can leave gas in contact with any of these for years and the worst you will get is a layer of varnish. I have worked on enough 2- 40 year old vehicles and small planes that still had gas in them to be positive of that. Therefore, if it is being used to make a Damascus look on steel I have no idea how it is being done.

That was my thinking also. Bleach, mustard, potatoes and probably other stuff will corrode most metals. The results are attractive in the eyes of the beholder.
The knife in question I posted was done with bleach. Told to me by the seller, one of the most respected old timers in the ml game, who was a friend of the maker.