Distressing/weathering high carbon steel blades help

[CCP]

I'm working on a project (one of several on the table at the moment) It involves me aging a full tang battle ready katana blade. Thing is, short of burying it in the backyard for months, i'm not sure how to go about it. Any thoughts?

 

[Jamanticus]

Nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perma-blue, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice.

Those last four will put a nice patina on the blade, first two will etch it and leave pitting.

Seek out Exoray. To him you must listen.

 

[Wes R]

My dad uses mustard and vinegar to etch the blades he makes and it does really well. The mustard is good for putting patterns onto it.

 

[mbwelder]

clean the blade and spray it, using a spray bottle, with a salt and vinegar solution. Let it sit for a few days and then clean the rust off with fine grit steel wool. It works wonders.

 

[CCP]

You guys are Awesome. Beer's on me!

 

[CCP]

What concentrations should i use with any of these methods?