Etchant Question

[Burchtree]

The etchant that you get at Radio Shack -- do most of you do it on all your knives? Does it give it a better appearance? I've got mine sanded down to 600 grit and didn't know if I should do this "etchant" stuff.

Almost finished with the fighter. Kydex was done the other day, and the nylon fasteners and attachments were put on last night. I will post a picture soon I hope. I just want a good finish on the blade.

 

[Mike Hull]

I don't see any reason to etch a blade, unless you are trying to bring out some pattern, like pattern welded steel, or a temperline.
Some do it on regular steel, I suppose, for a non reflective finish. For those night operations I guess.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Michael, You can also use vinigar. If you don't like the look after an etch it just takes a couple minutes to return the blade back to the way it was. You don't do it for along time, 30 seconds or less and look and see what you got. The vinigar is alot slower than the FC......Ray

 

[Terry_Dodson]

i have tried both Fe and vinegar to bring out temperlines, and i must admit i do like the vinegar better, it is slower and i think it brings the line out better, at least on the 1084 steel i am using.

 

[MikeBodine]

Burchtree,
It is good to see someone else from Springfield! I live in Marshfield, but work in Springfield. I would like to see your knife when completed if you are willing to show it off a little.
Mike

 

[C L Wilkins]

Straight etchant is way too strong for my liking. I cut it at least 3-1 with distilled water. The only reason I use distilled water is that I have a "known". Tap water chemical makeup will be different from local to local. You also neutralize ferric chloride with vinegar, not baking soda. It is on the caustic side rather than the acid side of 7.

C Wilkins