Stan. Coincidentally I bumped into my Chemist fiend this evening and badgered him for some Phosphoric Acid. He works for a Vet supplies company that insists that chemicals have a shelf life… Wanted some Phosphoric to throw around an old Land Rover, but now see that it might come in handy for Parkerising.

I also doubt the 5mm, but that or 3/16 is what the calipers say, so either or.

Anon. I know what black jappaned looks like when new, but the scissors have obviously been used and used and there is nothing left – would it have a dyeing effect in the surface?

All. They are fairly obviously a tool type steel. And are a bitter dark chocolate colour. Cleaned back enough so that the grain structure is clear. Oddly, no real ‘smell’ when abraded lightly.