ANY ETCH HELP OUT THERE?

[Craig Daniel]

I have a 1095 blade that I etched in ferric chloride and then tumbled but there are some light spots that will not take an etch, Any help is appreciated.

 

[Matt Rochester]

It’s either not cleaned well or still has some decarb. Forged or stock removal?

 

[Craig Daniel]

It is a stock removal blade.

 

[Fallbrook Forge]

Did you clean it thoroughly before the etch?

 

[Craig Daniel]

No I did not clean the blade, I thought of that and thought it may be the issue.

 

[john april]

use hot water and dishwashing liquid. keep rubbing the blade with your fingers until they squeak ( or grab) on all areas of the blade. that way you can be sure all oils are gone.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If it was not sanded/ground past the decarb after HT, it will have spots that will not etch. Sand it down more.

 

[Craig Daniel]

Thanks a lot guys, I've been making knives about 12 years but just got into the etching and tumbling aspect.