Acid etching

[mdsmith]

I saw a video on YouTube yesterday where a guy acid etched his Spyderco Endura clip, and it gave it a really nice gunmetal grey look. I know nothing about acid etching, so if this sounds like a dumb question, well, it probably is. Could you acid etch all of the hardware and the blade of a knife? Also, is the etching something that will come off eventually, thanks.

 

[Benuser]

By etching you're changing the steel's structure, at least superficially. Yes, you may grind off or polish the thin layer you altered. Don't forget to neutralise - stop - the process with soda or soap.

 

[ThirdTooth]

I find that the acid wash from a muriatic acid is better than ferric chloride, instead ferric chloride seems better for etching.
the acid wash will wear off though, and I personally would steer clear of food prep with that knife if you give it an acid wash.
as for the hardware, it may slightly change the dimensions of screws, holes, etc. so I would paint over the threading of the screws and the screw holes on the frame and pocket clip with nail polish. that will keep the acid off and keep everything fitting together nicely when you go to reassemble. just remove the nail polish with nail polish remover after.
one last thing, you may want to put just a little nail polish on the very very edge. the acid will really dull the bevel

 

[parbajtor]

For those that don't know, Muriatic Acid is another name for Hydrochloric Acid.