How To Etching a 1095 Blade

[Raider 06]

Hi. I recently retired and decided to try making knives as a hobby. Right now I'm using 1095 high carbon steel for the blade. After shaping I wanted to etch the blade, but using either Ferric Chloride or hot vinegar after cleaning the next day there is a light film of rust in spots on the blade. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

 

[Whiskey Tango Fab]

I'm no professional but after I etch a blade I will wash with water, dry and apply some gun oil to the blade. Usually keeps any serious rust from forming for me.

 

[kuraki]

Neutralize the the acid with Windex, then oil.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You have to remove the acid from the blade, and then remove the water from the surface. After etching, some folks boil the blade in water with a teaspoon of baking soda. Then they rinse will with hot running water. Last, they dry the blade well and oil it with a good grade penetrating or gun oil. A few people go as far as to bake the blade at 250 before oiling so as to remove any water from blade. Then they oil it while warm.

 

[Raider 06]

You have to remove the acid from the blade, and then remove the water from the surface. After etching, some folks boil the blade in water with a teaspoon of baking soda. Then they rinse will with hot running water. Last, they dry the blade well and oil it with a good grade penetrating or gun oil. A few people go as far as to bake the blade at 250 before oiling so as to remove any water from blade. Then they oil it while warm.

 

[Raider 06]

Thanks Stacy. I appreciate the helpful info. Will certainly try this.

 

[Raider 06]

Neutralize the the acid with Windex, then oil.

Thanks so much.

 

[Raider 06]

I'm no professional but after I etch a blade I will wash with water, dry and apply some gun oil to the blade. Usually keeps any serious rust from forming for me.

Thanks. Will give it a try.