blue/bleach etching with pinned & glued handles?

[daizee]

I'm getting the itch to etch....
Currently all my blades are done with pinned/glued handles mated and shaped after attachment.
Is it possible to blue/bleatch etch a completed knife to get the treatment all the way around the tang?
What is the effect on epoxy? On micarta, G10, wood, Tru-oil?
Any experiences or examples appreciated.
Thanks,

-Daizee

 

[Raymond Richard]

I would think the G10 and micarta handles will handle the etch just fine as long as the etch doesn't get between the handle material and the knife tang. Normally that type of etch is done before the knife is assembled. With the wood you really want to make sure it is well sealed and it will probably be a little iffy. I've never tried the Tru-oil. The best thing to do is try it on some scrape first.

 

[james terrio]

The best thing to do is try it on some scraps first.

Absolutely! I once had to completely tear apart a finished knife after etching the blade and exposed tang surfaces with vinegar. The G10 scales were unaffected, but the acid made the fibre liners swell and the epoxy I was using at the time bubbled up in a decidedly unattractive manner. I no longer use fibre liners or that epoxy... but I won't etch around a handle anymore, either.

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

around the tang yes, under the tang, not so much...

if you want the exposed heel/spine of the scales done, blue them, then dab the edge multiple times with bleach (you'll have to baby it for a while).. for the blade just dunk it up to the scales and you're good...

this way there is no doubt of the integrity of your scales...

 

[daizee]

around the tang yes, under the tang, not so much...

if you want the exposed heel/spine of the scales done, blue them, then dab the edge multiple times with bleach (you'll have to baby it for a while).. for the blade just dunk it up to the scales and you're good...

this way there is no doubt of the integrity of your scales...

Hmm, I like that - cold blue the tang, etch the blade. That dodges the indicated soak problems and probably produces a result I'd like.

I've discontinued using the fiber liners after reading a number of accounts like yours, James.


-Daizee

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

Hmm, I like that - cold blue the tang, etch the blade. That dodges the indicated soak problems and probably produces a result I'd like.

I've discontinued using the fiber liners after reading a number of accounts like yours, James.


-Daizee

still ok for removable scales