Etching Differences

[Mike Mossington]

Will etching in muriatic acid result in a darker finish than etching in ferric chloride/water mix? Or does repeated etching in the same etchant result in a darker result?

The steel in question is 1084, 1095 and Ni.

Secondary but closely related question - in etching a blade last weekend, the ricasso area - on one side only - is decidedly lighter than the blade, and also lighter than the ricasso on the other side. Any idea what would do this? The whole blade is well washed in acetone before etching, and carefully handled to ensure fingers do not touch. Will spot etching with muriatic acid help darken this?

Much appreciated.

Mike

 

[bjalongi]

Maybe a smudged fingerprint, or other oily deposit prevented the acid from fully penetrating? Just a guess...

 

[kvolle]

Mike, if your going to etch with muratic acid, you will need to reduce your etch time. I have tried it and if done correctly it does give a little darker tone to the blade (in my opinion) and it will really bring out the hamon if differentially HT. The problem is if you leave it on the blade more than a few seconds it can really screw up the blade. Use a mixture of windex and baking soda to neutralize. I put a little borax in for good measure. I have not tried deluting with distilled water but have read that it works. Before you try this be aware that if you have oil on the blade then the effects will be similar to any etch. Make sure the blade is completely clean before the etch. Good luck.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Hardened steel etches darker than non-hardened steel. If the ricasso was not fully hardened ( hotter on one side?) ,the pearlite will be grayer than the blackened martensite.
Stacy

 

[Arthur Washburn]

Will etching in muriatic acid result in a darker finish than etching in ferric chloride/water mix? Or does repeated etching in the same etchant result in a darker result?

The steel in question is 1084, 1095 and Ni.

Secondary but closely related question - in etching a blade last weekend, the ricasso area - on one side only - is decidedly lighter than the blade, and also lighter than the ricasso on the other side. Any idea what would do this? The whole blade is well washed in acetone before etching, and carefully handled to ensure fingers do not touch. Will spot etching with muriatic acid help darken this?

Much appreciated.

Mike

If you are etching with ferric cloride after washing the blade in acetone this could be your problem. Etching can be splotchy and uneven when acetone is used as a wash. Plain old soap an water works best.

I do not know if acetone will affect an etch done with muratic acid as I have never used it for my blades.