Etching Damascus

A

amoretti

Joined
Apr 26, 2009
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I bought some damascus from Jantz to use as bolsters on pocket knifes.

I want a real deep etch for durability. Years ago I etched and the recipe seemed to be ferric chloride plus white vinegar. The Jantz instructions say to use ferric chloride alone or diluted if 32%. Tried this but the etch is very shallow..

What is the best etch for dasmascus that will leave a deep, lasting appearance??

TIA, John
 
The way I was shown was dilute the FC 1 part to 3 part distilled water. Etch for a few minutes pull out rinse off hit with 0000 steel wool and etch again. Repeat this process however many times it takes to get the etch you want.
 
Hi John,

I haven't tried it yet, but if I understood and wrote up my notes right...

Shawn Knowles, I met at Indian George's, suggested two to three 10 minute etches with ferric chloride. Rinse with TSP and rub the black gunk off with steelwool between etches. When all done etching and neutralizing with TSP he does a final rinse with shellac thinner (I believe) to remove the water/moisture to prevent rust. Don't use steel wool after the final etch (want to keep the black this time). He uses 2500 git sand paper on a hard flat block to bring out the "silver" of the surface metal. He said sand and change paper like it was free!

I guess just keep re-etching until you get what you want. Good luck.

All the best, Phil
 
I use 50/50 vinegar and lemon juice on my damascus for about 4 hours. I simply wash it after the etch with soapy water then acetone. I'm going to experiment with multiple etches and sanding in the future though.

For a reference of what 50/50 vinegar and lemon juice does on a bar at 36 grit. No wool and no sandpaper, just a quick wash after the etch. (sorry that the picture is a little fuzzy.)
raindroppattern004.jpg
 
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