I'm not yet a knife maker. But I am an experienced lapidary and tool designer. The knives here were my second and third ground from hardened cold saw blades with woodworking tools and handled in Texas agate. One thing I've discovered from tool design and heat treat is that heat treating salts will protect from corrosion. Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) will work, but is flammable when dry. Sodium nitrite (food preservative) on the other hand is very safe and a little goes a long way. Half a cup in two gallons of water is enough to do the job and it does not evaporate with the water. Antireeze is also flammable and a bear to extinguish.
