I use pickle (in the case of the #5 Spanish Olive) juice rather than straight vinegar. I used vinegar once and it caused a bit more rust. The pickle juice does, indeed, rust the blade. Cleaning it afterward removes a good amount of debris and leaves the patina. I have more knives to do and will share that with you as time permits. (It "is" after all huntin' season / new RKCC to work on / Hi-ride project / website / forum attendance, etc., etc., etc.) I have left blades in anywhere from 1 hour to overnight. Start slow and work it! Glad you like it.
It should also be noted that gun bluing is also a rust process and eliminates, or in fact does indeed "retard", rusting of the firearm. Same principle...Mine's just a hair more redneck! Gotta' love it!
Best, Capt. Chris