CLR etching bath

[Diez Knives]

Anybody ever try CLR for etching bath? I have tried Radio shack PCB solution works great but the one that I found to work really well to etch bath is real easy to find and use. It is "CLR" I was thinking what would be the opposite of a dark etch... using CLR would be the opposite, I think. well I tried it and I called it the "chrome etch" just sounded good. I bathed my blade in it for about 15 minutes, it bubbles for a bit. I used 80 grit then jumped to 220 grit finally used 400 grit, etched in CLR let it dry off then used a spray degreaser to clean off the CLR, I used a green scotch pad on an orbital sander then 3000 grit. what are some other etching ideas?

 

[grizzled gizzard]

If you aren't trying to show something like hamon or hardening lines, then the only reason to etch would be as a surface coating, like a forced patina.

I've gotten good results with 44/40 bluing. Some say it could potentially be hazardous, but I've seen nothing that shows it's any different than any other oxidizing agent. Nobody worries about PCB etchant, and I guess you don't think CLR will hurt anyone. (I don't either) Once the surface is oxidized and neutralized, I don't think anything about it could be harmful.

I have found one thing that I haven't heard anyone else using.

I etch in PCB, neutralize, de-grease, then lightly buff with regular chromium oxide buffing compound. It leaves the steel dark gun metal colored, with a little shine. It seems to last longer than other forced patinas or bluing, or maybe I just take better care of it because I like it.

 

[Willie71]

I use lemon juice. Its great for getting the whispy whites to show in a hamon.

 

[Travis Fry]

I have found one thing that I haven't heard anyone else using.

I etch in PCB, neutralize, de-grease, then lightly buff with regular chromium oxide buffing compound. It leaves the steel dark gun metal colored, with a little shine. It seems to last longer than other forced patinas or bluing, or maybe I just take better care of it because I like it.

You found someone else. I only etch damascus though, and I hit it lightly on the buffer to make the high spots shine just a hair more.