Damascus Re-etching question

[Jedibowls]

Will vinegar work as well as ferric cloride to re-etch a Case Damascus knife blade? I have bought some ferric cloride from RS and am a little hesitant to use it. Thanks,

Todd

 

[The_cutting_edge]

yes vinegar will work to etch your Damascus it just takes longer. I used plain white to etch this knife I just finished.

I heated the vinegar in the microwave until it is steaming (watch your eyes and don't breath in when you uncover) I did 10 min. submersions in the hot vinegar, then I removed it and cleaned off the oxides, I normally use an old tooth brush but this time decided to try with a mr. clean magic eraser I think it worked well. while cleaning the blade, the vinegar gets re heated then another 10 min etch. keep going till you're happy with the results.

 

[Jedibowls]

Thank you. It is a case damascus pocket knife. Since I cant submerge the whole thing, how long do you leave the blade in?

Todd

 

[SteelSlaver]

Mix the ferric chloride about cup to 3 or 4 cups of distilled water. Put the blade in for about 10 minutes then scrub lightly with scotch bright pad. Repeat until you like it. Boiling it in water will fix the dark. But won't work if you don't disassemble the knife of course. Take some 1200 grit paper and wrap on a hard flat piece of wood or steel and then lightly sand. The paper will only hit the high spots that didn't etch as fast and help shine then for more contrast. Wash in warm soda water and then oil.