Making a black blade
 

I have a character in an RPG who's a fighter, and I thought he should have a jet black sword because of Rule of Cool. How would I acquire such a blade? Paint? Sooting it?

Re: Making a black blade
 

Holding it over a flame will temporarily blacken it but the soot easily runs off. There are a few heat treatments that will leave it very dark - from deep blue to gloss black. One simple method is to cover it with dirty oil and hold it in a fire for a while. Most treatments wear off eventually. The edge will become shiny again the next time you sharpen it.

Re: Making a black blade
 

You mean your own character, or you're the GM and you have a character played by someone?

If the latter, you can make him steal the black sword from Constantine at his own request. :)

Re: Making a black blade
 

I was afraid heating would ruin the blade?

Re: Making a black blade
 

You need a furnace to have much of an effect on heat treatment. Maybe the hottest coals in a campfire but not an open flame.

Re: Making a black blade
 

Ok. Thanksalot. :)

Re: Making a black blade
 

also depends on the time period.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1208153140.htm

Re: Making a black blade
 

You could probably use the same technique used on 16th and 17th century armour: coat the blade in oil then heat it. Painting would also work but would leave the edge shiny where you sharpened it.

Re: Making a black blade
 

Does that degrade the quality of the blade?

Re: Making a black blade
 

See posts 4 and 5.