PhotonFanatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
A customer wanted a Kuukuu Killer, similar to this one, but since I get easily bored making the same exact item more than once, this light would be different. :devil:
This is also made from Mokume Gane, which is comprised of alternating layers of copper and nickel silver; even before etching the pattern is clearly visible in the metal:
But etching with ferric chloride really developes the pattern as it etches away the copper at a faster rate than the nickel silver. And the ferric chloride will also darken the copper, too.
However, there are other methods to enhance the contrast, from special patina solutions to home-made brews using eggs, or vinegar and ammonia. There is also heat, which will darken the copper, and even produce various colors, depending on the temperature and composition of the gases striking the metal.
I decided to try some heat this time, to see what could be done. Only problem was that having never done it before, I really wasn't super experienced, although I did try a test piece first. In retrospect, I overheated the light, going way past the color that I wanted--red hot copper colors look completely different from the final color after coloring!
Still, the excess heat did something else that was fine--it oxidized the nickel silver to a nice black. And the oxidation on the copper mostly flaked off when the light was just touched. The net result: a nice black and orange combo:
Now dubbed the Volcano Killer I have no clue if my customer will like it or not, but I do. And I now know that there are some really nice colors possible with heating the Mokume Gane lights, so further experimentation awaits.
This is also made from Mokume Gane, which is comprised of alternating layers of copper and nickel silver; even before etching the pattern is clearly visible in the metal:
But etching with ferric chloride really developes the pattern as it etches away the copper at a faster rate than the nickel silver. And the ferric chloride will also darken the copper, too.
However, there are other methods to enhance the contrast, from special patina solutions to home-made brews using eggs, or vinegar and ammonia. There is also heat, which will darken the copper, and even produce various colors, depending on the temperature and composition of the gases striking the metal.
I decided to try some heat this time, to see what could be done. Only problem was that having never done it before, I really wasn't super experienced, although I did try a test piece first. In retrospect, I overheated the light, going way past the color that I wanted--red hot copper colors look completely different from the final color after coloring!
Still, the excess heat did something else that was fine--it oxidized the nickel silver to a nice black. And the oxidation on the copper mostly flaked off when the light was just touched. The net result: a nice black and orange combo:
Now dubbed the Volcano Killer I have no clue if my customer will like it or not, but I do. And I now know that there are some really nice colors possible with heating the Mokume Gane lights, so further experimentation awaits.
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That is quite possibly the coolest combination of textures, patterns, and colors I've seen on a light ever! Fred, where was this brilliant idea of yours when I was looking for an orange killer??? 
Thanks for the awesome eye candy Fred! :thumbsup:
:wave:
john
