- Joined
- Mar 26, 2002
- Messages
- 3,397
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=2384358
includes:
"picture three shows it after I did the etch - I use Clorox bleach which when it (the chlorine component that is) combines with iron makes - ta dum!!! - Ferric Chloride. I either soak the whole thing in undiluted bleach and let it set for 10-15 minutes. Second method is to wrap it in a towel soaked in bleach (make sure it touches the blade all over) and then stick it in a plastic bag for 10-15 minutes. Chlorine bleach is a more aggressive etch than the diluted Ferric that most maker's use so you have to keep an eye on it. You may have to redo it but it's better to do it in short spurts. When it comes out of the etchant it will have a hoar frost of rust and be dark grey/brown. Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water (a baking soda bath if you want)and dry good. Rub down with steel wool and or a fine Scotchbrite pad - brighten it up as much as you want in other words. The finish is very tough, but if you sand it down too far - wipe the blade down with some bleach and let it work for about five minutes - wash and dry good and it will have regained a bunch of color.
Please - experiment on some scraps I sure don't want any body cussing me out cause they ruined a blade...
Wild Rose Trading Co Custom Leather Work Chuck Burrows"
Cool! Cheap Ferric Chloride!
includes:
"picture three shows it after I did the etch - I use Clorox bleach which when it (the chlorine component that is) combines with iron makes - ta dum!!! - Ferric Chloride. I either soak the whole thing in undiluted bleach and let it set for 10-15 minutes. Second method is to wrap it in a towel soaked in bleach (make sure it touches the blade all over) and then stick it in a plastic bag for 10-15 minutes. Chlorine bleach is a more aggressive etch than the diluted Ferric that most maker's use so you have to keep an eye on it. You may have to redo it but it's better to do it in short spurts. When it comes out of the etchant it will have a hoar frost of rust and be dark grey/brown. Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water (a baking soda bath if you want)and dry good. Rub down with steel wool and or a fine Scotchbrite pad - brighten it up as much as you want in other words. The finish is very tough, but if you sand it down too far - wipe the blade down with some bleach and let it work for about five minutes - wash and dry good and it will have regained a bunch of color.
Please - experiment on some scraps I sure don't want any body cussing me out cause they ruined a blade...
Wild Rose Trading Co Custom Leather Work Chuck Burrows"
Cool! Cheap Ferric Chloride!
