Acid Wash/Stone Wash

[Ian Weller]

I recently attempted my first acid wash/stone wash on a spyderco tenacious. The etch looked like it came out fine but in a moment of blind stupidity…I attempted to wipe off the neutralized blade with a tissue instead of the rag I was planning on using. So I think that may have caused the uneven etch…maybe the blade was still dirty? But I was sure to clean very well with acetone. The result is okay I guess…I am just looking for a more even finish. Is it possible to re etch in acid and tumble in the rock/soap/water solution again to get a more even finish?

 

[J. Doyle]

I would try to redo it and see what happens.

Personally, I'd ditch the acetone. It leaves behind a film of its own that has played hell during etching with many knife makers, myself included.

I would wash with dish soap and baking soda to degrease/mildly scrub. Those will get rid of any surface contaminants or oils/solvents and both will 100% rinse away in hot water.

 

[Ian Weller]

I would try to redo it and see what happens.

Personally, I'd ditch the acetone. It leaves behind a film of its own that has played hell during etching with many knife makers, myself included.

I would wash with dish soap and baking soda to degrease/mildly scrub. Those will get rid of any surface contaminants or oils/solvents and both will 100% rinse away in hot water.

Awesome thanks for the info. Will try again this week and post again. Since I’m not able to forge right not. Tinkering with my knives has kept me entertained but I’ve learned that it can be just as frustrating as bladesmithing!