Acid etching acids

[KodyL]

I have used vinegar to force a patina on hc blades because that's what I had handy. Most likely a poor choice, but would ferric cloride, gun blue or something else work better ?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes.

 

[running bird]

If you just want to etch get ferric chloride. For a forced patina mustard would better, I haven't used it but have seen some interesting results from people who do.

 

[KodyL]

Yes.

lol, ok Thanks

 

[voodoolord]

I'm curious about this also. I want to etch some letters and pictures into a 5160 blade and have stencils to do it but I'm unsure what will be best to create a long lasting etch.

 

[running bird]

If you want to etch very detailed pictures you need and electric etching machine and sodium etching solutions. There are custom shops online that can help you with that.

If you want to etch a simple design use some FC and nail polish. Draw an outline of the design with nail polish, this will prevent the FC from etching the steel under it. Then dip the blade in FC or wipe some of the acid on the blade. This may take some practice so you can get some mild steel from any big hardware store and test it out on that first.

Good luck

 

[Geoff Flato]

In the David Boye book it goes into great detail on scrimshaw like etching on blades. Quite an elaborate process, with very strong acids though...