Unusual Etch on a Moro Blade

[MichaelZWilliamson]

I realize this is a very old thread.

Mild acid followed by boiling water is one of the techniques for cold rust bluing, typically used for double shotguns. Acid, boiling water, wire brushing, repeat 8-10 times will give you a deep, blue-black finish.

So the vinegar followed by hot water came close to almost performing the first step.

[Battara]

The only thing is that the original blades that survived with their original etch were not blue but brownish. In fact, Moros used this old formula:

1. cover the cleaned blade with citrus juice (like calamansee, a type of lime)

2. place in the hot sunlight

3. wait

4. wash off with water

The result was a grey to brownish color on the laminations of the blade. Sounds similar.

[kino]

Originally Posted by Battara

In fact, Moros used this old formula:

1. cover the cleaned blade with citrus juice (like calamansee, a type of lime)

I had the impression that Iba / balimbi /kamias or carambola was used for etching.

[Battara]

Originally Posted by kino

I had the impression that Iba / balimbi /kamias or carambola was used for etching.

I was told once that calamansi was also used, but the others make sense too.