Looked all over, couldn’t find this topic, sooo…
What’s the secret? How’s it done? How do I flash age stainless steel? I have a couple ideas, most involving a bucket of salt and my uncle’s shop, but I’m not sure how well it’d work nor am I sure entirely how well the idea would be received by others. So, what are some other ways to make a newish H2 bowie look like it’s as old as I am?
I don’t have an answer, but you can find vintage carbon steel knives fairly cheap on ebay.
The way I usually get that look on my prop weapons is by scouring the entire blade with Scotch Brite, then spraying a little Black Spray paint on it and wiping it in and off quickly. After doing that a few times and getting the look that I want, I use Krylon Crystal Clear to seal it. Of course, you could Stone Wash the blades and patina them with Acid, but the paint method is MUCH quicker and easier.
Very interesting process! May I please see an image of one of your prop knives do I can get an idea of how the finished product can look?
I dont really have any pics because it’s been a while since I’ve done one. I did that process to the VS Machete in this pic;
Looks great! Looks just like my vintage army knife! I’ll definitely have to try this method. Thanks for the help. 
I tried this method and it looks great! Perfectly vintaged, with the mirror finish completely gone. These pics can’t even do it justice!
Awesome. I’m glad that I could help!
Sickkk!! I want to do this to my h1 knife
Wow very interesting photos of knifes, can i ask if how to know the age of a knife if you first time to see this kind of weapon.
WOW!! your killer weaponry looks increadible? Are they real?
ToddB
For a rust effect, another option would be using this: http://www.modernmasters.com/products.asp?mode=group&gid=68
Awesome stuff to work with but very expensive if you are outside the US. Great stuff. If you misted the blade with the rust paint, i.e. not covering it fully, then sprayed the rust activator onto it once dried, and then the fix liquid to deactivate the rust once it is how the person desires. Might be a great option for anyone doing blades on a large scale, as it is real rust.