Etch attempt

[The_Dave]

Here's a blade that I edge quenched last night. This morning I sanded down to 320 grit and put it in some muriatic acid for approximately 25 minutes. This is the result.

What do you guys see here? Is there a hardening line? If so, how can I keep it? What should I do next?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[A C Richards]

What type of steel is it? I am seeing what could be alloy banding along the edge. I also see what could be a transition zone in the dark cloud on the blade. The first thing you need to do is finish it to at least 600 grit. 320 is not quite fine enough to see what is really going on. Also do several shorter etches. One or two minutes and sand it with a really fine paper or pumice stone powder. This will prevent some of the bad mottling you are getting. If you have access to any ferric chloride try that. It works better for me. Good luck

 

[The_Dave]

Thanks for your help, I'll definitely try the fCl since I see that stuff referenced here over and over again.

I meant to put the steel type in there, I guess I just got trigger happy. It's 1080 steel. Thanks again!