etching a blade

[bill may]

I'm finding it hard to get a good color contrast between my steels. on this knife I used 1095 and wood saw blades and I'm using ferric chloride to etch.
I've left it in the acid for 10-15 min and the best I'm getting is a dull gray on my 1095. I've seen knives with the carbon steel is black. so what am I missing here?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

What is "saw blade steel"???? That could be anything from a chromium steel skill saw blade, to a 20 foot by 6" wide commercial band saw blade, to grandpa's old crosscut saw.

Many older saws were 1095 or similar, so you might not get much contrast.

 

[bill may]

it's skill saw. I know it's not 15n20 but I'm still learning how to do this and it's a lot cheaper to use. this is all practice. I am seeing the contrast between the steels but my high carbon is not getting as dark as I
would hope. should I let it etch longer?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

1095 should etch dark. The chrome steel blade should etch bright.

Clean scrupulously, give a little light fine grit sanding if needed, wash well, clean with alcohol, and etch for a minute or so in 3:1 FC. Rinse, wipe off, check color, and repeat as needed.

 

[assuva]

I suggest you try a 5% nitric acid ( You have to wait a few seconds) .