Yes, a slurry of bicarbonate of soda, brushed on and left for a couple of minutes, then rinsed thoroughly and dried will stop any acid action.
I use this when I'm staining damascus, but I don't use it on keris, because before you begin to stain the keris it helps if you sensitise the blade with the same acid that you use to mix the arsenic:- lime juice.
However, I seem to recall that you're going for just a light acid finish now? Problems with getting arsenic? In that case kill the acid with the bicarb and you probably should get an acceptable result.
It is possible just to brush the vinegar, or whatever you use. It takes longer, but its easier to control. If the blade comes up too dark you could try rubbing it with lime skin---the inside of the skin--- under running water.
|