Patinas form overtime on the surface of metals such as blades. As a result of this type of corrosion, a knife becomes basically rust-proof in the long run and will change its appearance. You can force a patina onto a metal or let it form naturally.
We will talk about what they are, how they are formed, and their benefits.
Contents
Patina Basic Must-Knows
Definition
When left out in the elements, carbon steel blades will form a protective layer that is golden yellow at first. After time passes, it begins to turn deep blue before ending with purple or gray as oxidation continues.
Recognizing Patina
A patina is a natural film that forms on the surface of copper and bronze over time. Patinas can show up in many colors, but they’re most commonly yellow or greenish-blue at first before shifting to purple with red dots from rust appearing later.
Formation
Causes
Exposure to Acid
When wood or other organic acids are left to soak into a knife for a long time, it can form a patina. A patina can also form when these acids are exposed to the metal itself over time. For example, vinegar on a knife blade or drops of lemon juice on a machete.
Heating
Ferrous metals can be forced into a patina by being heated to high temperatures. For example, an oven, a barbecue grill, or even the surface of the sun if you left it out for long enough.
Exposure to Air
The most common way to force a patina onto the steel is with prolonged exposure to oxygen in the air. This can happen if you leave a knife out or stored it in an uncleaned state and it reacts with carbon dioxide and water vapor from the air around it, forming rust on your blade over time.
Process
An apparent patina is actually corrosion on a knife blade. An oxide layer forms when oxygen reacts with the iron in your steel blade, oxidizing it.
The more oxidation occurs, the harder the patina becomes which means you can sharpen blades with patinas much longer than those without them. The protective layer also prevents air from reaching the metal interior so that it does not rust.
Patinas form on the blades of carbon steel. Chromium is a component of stainless steel, which makes it extremely corrosion-resistant. A stainless steel knife will rarely develop a patina.
Benefits
Protective Layer
The patina serves as a protective layer for the blade against rust. It prevents air from getting to the metal and causing oxidation. This property makes it easier for you to maintain your blades longer.
Mark of Time
A patina is an indication that your knife has reached a certain level of age and experience, showing all its battles very visibly. No two patinas are the same, and they get more interesting with time. It is a result of your blade’s history and how you used it.
A patina also becomes part of the knife itself as it grows older, which makes each one unique.
Final Verdict
In a nutshell, patinas are an accumulation of layers that help protect your knife from corrosion and damage. It benefits you in keeping the knife longer and maintaining it easier without the fear of rusting.
