Making a black blade

Anders · 08-19-2012, 08:58 AM

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?

DanHoward · 08-19-2012, 09:02 AM

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.

vicky_molokh · 08-19-2012, 09:04 AM

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. :)

Anders · 08-19-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanHoward

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.

I was afraid heating would ruin the blade?

DanHoward · 08-19-2012, 09:20 AM

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.

Anders · 08-19-2012, 09:29 AM

Ok. Thanksalot. :)

alexondria · 08-19-2012, 09:40 AM

also depends on the time period.

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

Polydamas · 08-19-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asta Kask

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?

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.

~~Peter Knutsen~~ · 08-19-2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanHoward

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.

Does that degrade the quality of the blade?

Anaraxes · 08-19-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Knutsen

Does that degrade the quality of the blade?

See posts 4 and 5.

08-19-2012, 08:58 AM	#1
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	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? __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius Author of Winged Folk. The GURPS Discord. Drop by and say hi!

08-19-2012, 09:02 AM	#2
DanHoward Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maitland, NSW, Australia	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. Last edited by DanHoward; 08-19-2012 at 09:06 AM.

08-19-2012, 09:04 AM	#3
vicky_molokh GURPS FAQ Keeper Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kyïv, Ukraine	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. :) __________________ Vicky 'Molokh', GURPS FAQ and uFAQ Keeper

08-19-2012, 09:20 AM	#5
DanHoward Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maitland, NSW, Australia	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.

08-19-2012, 09:29 AM	#6
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	Re: Making a black blade Ok. Thanksalot. :) __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius Author of Winged Folk. The GURPS Discord. Drop by and say hi!

08-19-2012, 09:40 AM	#7
alexondria Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta GA	Re: Making a black blade also depends on the time period. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1208153140.htm