Etching Damascus

Trace Rinaldi

Trace Rinaldi

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
1,774
What kind of acid do you use and where do you get it?? Can the blade be etched after a Carbon Fiber handle is installed? Thanks in advance for answering Kindergarten questions:-)

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com
 
There is nothing kindergarten about damascus and carbon fiber. I use a mixture of 1/4 ferric cloride (Archer Etchant fron Radio Shack) 1/4 vinegar and 1/2 tap water. Although I have never done it I dont see why you couldnt etch with carbon fiber scales on. The acid wont harm the carbon fiber but may be hard to flush out behind them. Remember that acid removes metal (etches) and may leave the handle loose if etched deep for a long period. Arm and Hammer baking soda will neutralize the acid. I also use ammonia and water for added assurance to make sure it is neutral.
 
Bruce,

I haven't heard of adding vinegar to the mixture before. Could you provide some insight on the effects of the vinegar?
BTW, I also neutralize with ammonia.

Brett
 
Actually, your could etch with just the vinegar. It's acetic acid. Just warm it up a bit. (Every 10 degrees C doubles the reactivity.) But it won't make as a dramatic etch as FeCl.

You might also want to experiment with Naval Jelly. It'll etch as well. A friend is experimenting with Coca-Cola.
 
well i just etched one blade this way and scrubbed it with steel wool it came out nice. i neturized with baking soda. i will try heating it next time. thanks.
 
Brett, the vinegar is less money than archer etchant and works with it to do the same thing. Lately I have been useing a very weak, about 1 parts archer to 9 parts water and am getting excellent results although slow. Be sure to set a timer so you dont forget and leave a blade in too long. The slow etch is a more even and more pretty finish. A hot fast etch will give a grainy appearance.
 
Coke or Pepsi work suprisingly well, but are a bit irritating to clean up if there is any heat involved.
 
Originally posted by Bruce Bump
If you use Coke or Pepsi, you can drink it after etching and get your daily iron too.:D
Click to expand...

UGH! That sounds NASTY!

I wonder if there would be a different etch between Coke or Pepsi? Maybe 7-Up or Barq's may yield a different etch? Doubtful, but fun to think about!

In my best Greek accent: No Coke! Pepsi!
 
well i just etched another in apple vinager that i heated to under a boil, works great, wonderful pattern. also guys i am have good results useing scotch brite pads in stead of steel wool, less chance of rusty stuff. i got some green colored giraffe bone for the handle. will post a pic, when finished.
 
The last damascus piece I did, I used a 50/50 mix of Radio Shack PCB Etchant and White Cider Vinegar. I used Clear fingernail polish to mask off the areas I didn't want etched, and left it suspended in the Texas sun in July, not touching any container walls, for two periods of twenty minutes or so. After each etch, I rinsed the blade in baking soda and water, then reapplied my masking. It came out pretty good, especially for as little as I know about this stuff, I think...it's on my web page, if you want to take a look. Under the Old Stuff. I think you'll be able to pick it out...:D
 
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