1. Gather your materials. You will need:
* A stainless steel knife blade
* Gun blue solution (available at most sporting goods stores)
* A cotton swab
* A clean cloth
2. Prepare the blade. Make sure the blade is clean and dry. If there are any fingerprints, wipe them off with the clean cloth.
3. Apply the gun blue solution. Using the cotton swab, apply the gun blue solution to the blade. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the blade.
4. Let the solution sit. Allow the solution to sit for the amount of time specified on the product instructions. This is typically around 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse the blade. Rinse the blade with water to remove the excess gun blue solution.
6. Dry the blade. Dry the blade with the clean cloth.
7. Repeat the process if necessary. If the blade is not as dark as you want, you can repeat the process.
Method 2: Using Vinegar and Salt
1. Gather your materials. You will need:
* A stainless steel knife blade
* Vinegar
* Salt
* A cotton swab
* A clean cloth
2. Prepare the blade. Make sure the blade is clean and dry. If there are any fingerprints, wipe them off with the clean cloth.
3. Mix the vinegar and salt. In a small bowl, mix equal parts vinegar and salt.
4. Apply the mixture to the blade. Using the cotton swab, apply the mixture to the blade. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the blade.
5. Let the mixture sit. Allow the mixture to sit for around 1 hour.
6. Rinse the blade. Rinse the blade with water to remove the excess mixture.
7. Dry the blade. Dry the blade with the clean cloth.
8. Repeat the process if necessary. If the blade is not as dark as you want, you can repeat the process.
Tips
* To create a more uniform finish, you can use a brass brush to scrub the blade after applying the gun blue solution or the vinegar and salt mixture.
* Be careful not to get any of the gun blue solution or the vinegar and salt mixture in your eyes.
* If you are working with a large blade, you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands.