Acid Etching and Stone Washing

KnuckleDownKnives

KnuckleDownKnives

Time to make the doughnuts..
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Feb 12, 2015
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I just picked up some Ferric Chloride from Radio Shack. I want to use it eventually to do some acid etching and stone washing. Do I need to dilute this stuff or use it full strength? How long does this stuff last (shelf life), and recommendations on storage since I will need to make some sort of container for fully dipping knives? I bought 2 16oz bottles.
 
I have been using 3/1 ratio, 3 parts water 1 part FC and have had good results. I use an old glass sun tea jar, it's 1.5 gallon. It's large enough for all the knives I make, and have not had any issues storing it for long periods.

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Also, not sure what you are planning to use to stonewash, but I got the large vibratory bowl from harbor freight for around $150. Here is a sample of a customers Kershaw that I did with the 3:1 ratio then tumbled in the bowl with ceramic media.

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Oh and thanks for the reply. That balde looks nice. I'm going to make an attachment for my 2 X 72 grinder for a tumbler.
 
pleasanthill said:
So I would be good to mix these bottles (2 @ 16oz) with 6 @ 16oz water?
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That would be a good ratio, but I would only mix up just as much as you'll need to fill whatever container you will be dipping your blades into

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When I first started using FC, I tried full strength, then half, now I'm at 1:6 ratio. 1:6 will etch just as hard as 1:1, it just takes a little longer, which gives me better control when trying to produce a hamon, which is what I primarily use it for. (for some reason full strength seems to not etch the hardest/fastest)
 
BartlettBlades said:
That would be a good ratio, but I would only mix up just as much as you'll need to fill whatever container you will be dipping your blades into

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kuraki said:
When I first started using FC, I tried full strength, then half, now I'm at 1:6 ratio. 1:6 will etch just as hard as 1:1, it just takes a little longer, which gives me better control when trying to produce a hamon, which is what I primarily use it for. (for some reason full strength seems to not etch the hardest/fastest)
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Than you for the replies. Right now I am just wanting to do some acid and stone washing once I get some steel capable of hamon I'll give it a try.
 
kuraki said:
When I first started using FC, I tried full strength, then half, now I'm at 1:6 ratio. 1:6 will etch just as hard as 1:1, it just takes a little longer, which gives me better control when trying to produce a hamon, which is what I primarily use it for. (for some reason full strength seems to not etch the hardest/fastest)
Click to expand...
My experience is similar. I think the FC does not spread out as evenly as when it's dilute. ( Surface tension?)
 
Thanks Kevin. Hopefully making a dipping container tomorrow. I see everyone using PVC pipe so think that's what I'm going for.
 
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