15n20 VS. Pure Nickel

That mix would be a very nice contrast, and many makers use it. 15N20 contains plenty of nickel and would make a good blade all by itself.
 
Great contrast IMHO. Check out here: My Latest for 1095 and 15N20

check out here:My Stuff for some 1095 and pure nickel pieces.

Pure nickel has more contrast, but is not hardenable. 15N20 and C1095/1084 is the way to go for me.
 
In the old days of damascus(not ancient times, I mean the 70s), bladesmiths used pure nickel in their blades along with the high carbon steel to get the contrast and patterns. The blades cut well, but edge holding was not optimum. Nowadays, bladesmiths normally do not put anything into their damascus that wouldnt make a good blade all by itself.
 
I was told that Devon Thomas find developed the combination of 1084/15N20.

At a hammer-in last June, Devon taught a workshop on metallurgy. At the end of the workshop he said he now recommends O1/15N20.

15N20 does make a great blade. UW Mitch made us a knife from 15N20. We use it for packaging orders. The knife gets scary sharp and cuts lots of cardboard before getting dull.
 
Looking at Laredo's work I realize that I have wasted my whole life opening letters with an ordinary pocket knife. But back to the question. It depends on the effect you want and how the etchant reacts to the alloys . As seen with the letter openers the 1095 etches dark grey, the 15N20 etches medium grey and if you added nickel it would remain almost untouched by the etchant , that is, very pale grey. It's your choice .
 
so with all this said, what is the best etchant? so far all i've used is ferric chloride. how about electrolyte? i know its specific to the alloy like mentioned earlier... but for a basic carbon steel and 15n20, has anyone had any results with an etchant other than ferri chloride worth mentioning?
 
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