can you patina 440 stainless steel?

[redmegalord]

im well aware that its called stainless, but its still steel and any steel will rust given time. i have an elk ridge er-052 (shown in picture, mine is in same condition brand new out of the box, just easier to download pic rather than take one and upload it) anyways i know its not an expensive knife, but this particular one has a lot of sentimental value to me so i was considering buying another one and putting a patina on it, but i cant figure out how long it would take with stainless for it to form the covering. any help would be greatly appreciated95 also if anybody has any experience with this knife or elk ridge in general, id love to hear about your experiences.

[Shewie]

Maybe have a go with some slices of garlic and vinegar, I've seen it done on carbon blades but it might be worth a little tester.

[dave budd]

I would think to patinate (ie corrode) 440 stainless you are looking at using some of the nastier acids, I know those who make stainless damascus use the likes of muriatic acid and you do not want to mess with that just for the sake of it! Maybe ask the same question on BB?

If you like patinated blades then get a proper carbon steel one :p

[JustinTelford]

I've owned an Elk Ridge knife in the distant past, they are okay for what they are, a cheap bowie. They're made in China as far as I know (that's information, not a judgement), and are forged from 440 stainless (440A I suspect). If you know anything about Rockwell ratings, my best guess would put it at around the 54 mark. Personally, I would be more inclined to invest in Mora instead of another one of these, you'll get a lot better blade for the same money, but at the cost of asthetics. I suppose it depends what you want from the knife really.

[redmegalord]

like i said, its just a sentimental piece so i dont use it at all but thank you still for the information, ive never had an elk ridge before so its nice to know their reputation, and i am looking at a mora knife that the naturalbushcraft team reviewed, the forsts more 840mg. ive only heard good tings about it, that nobody has ever really had one fail or malfunction, that short off outright abuse they can stand up to heavy use for years. im not sure if this is true, thats just what ive heard. id like to know more about the tang though.