Acid Washing Tangs

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
Messages
814
Here's a question that I'm sure has a simple solution. I have an acid washed blade I etched in muriatic acid just long enough to get a nice gray color. But in shaping the handle, of corse the tang has fresh metal exposed since all the etching gets sanded off. So how do I etch the exposed metal tang without getting acid on the surrounding wood and discoloring it?
Thanks!
 
I have taped off the scales and used a q tip. Hope that helps. I also used warmed up apple cider vinegar.
 
Matt R said:
I have taped off the scales and used a q tip. Hope that helps. I also used warmed up apple cider vinegar.
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Ok, thanks Matt. That's what I was thinking, but I was hoping there was a better way. Vinegar, I'll have to try that if I can't get the acid to work
 
I boil the vinegar when I use it by the way. It's better to do it outside because the whole house will stink for a couple days. And it burns my eyes.
Nic. said:
Ok, thanks Matt. That's what I was thinking, but I was hoping there was a better way. Vinegar, I'll have to try that if I can't get the acid to work
Click to expand...
 
Muriatic acid will quite likely run under any tape applied, so it will be a real problem to etch your tang now.

The best answer to your question is to fit the handle and then take it off for the final etch. This can be done with screws or other removable handle fittings. A take down hand;e is the only sure fire way to deal with such issues.

On method is to use Corby bolts with the slots cut deep enough so they don't sand out. Don't use epoxy when assembling. After the handle is shaped and polished, unscrew the Corby's and etch the handle. Replace with new regular Corby bolts and assemble the handle with epoxy. Clean up the tang with denatured alcohol or acetone and carefully cut off and finish the bolt heads.
 
Thanks for the replies! Well, the knife is ready epoxied together with pins peened...so I'll have to use that method on the next one. Thank you very much for the advice! For now, I'll the wax idea.
 
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