Etching INFI

DeadFall27

DeadFall27

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
1,476
Hey all,

Since I got my first Busse, I've been using it every chance I can. Last night, I discovered that the love marks on the coating were prety deep and had a thought. If way down the road I decide to strip this thing, the logo's go away too.

Has anybody here given a detailed step by step on how to etch the logos into INFI? I know of people who have done it, but I have never seen it broken down Barney style. I want to etch the busse logo and Garth's design on the other side of the blade in so they last well after the coating is gone.

I hear ferric chloride works, but how is it done? Do I have to soak it? Can I dab it on with a q-tip and leave it? How long to get the best etch without ruining the blade? What's the best way to protect the edge and handle if I have to soak it?

Thanks for the look guys and gals. I'll make this post prettier when I get off work and get to the computer.

All best,

-Jim
 
Radio Shack Circuit Board Etchant works great.
pRS1C-2265189w345.jpg



Make sure it's nice and clean
Build a dam with blue painters tape around what you want to etch
Pour a little on and let it set. I've done 8-10 hours with great results
Do not get the etchant on any other bare metal of the knife

Some say to use a qtip to rub it on. I tried this with my NMFSH and ended moving some of the coating on the last rub so it didn't turn out great.
 
Last edited:
Does it give off any bad fumes in the process? I'm assuming you don't need a lot to get the job done
 
DeadFall27 said:
Does it give off any bad fumes in the process? I'm assuming you don't need a lot to get the job done
Click to expand...

I don't think so. I did mine in my utility room in the house. You definitely don't need much. The bottle from Radio Shack is huge...enough for us all to etch our logos for sure.
 
Last edited:
Do they sell it at hardware stores in smaller bottles? Im in Okinawa currently and we don't have radio shacks out here. The electronic hardware shops I have found are sub-par at best. Trying to find parts out here is like pulling teeth from a tiger on smack sometimes, hehe.
 
The Radio Shack "PCB" etchant is a mix of Ferric Chloride and Acid (dilute by the way) however all acid will "off gas" while etching so the use of rubber gloves for protection and give yourself some breathing
distance to not inhale the fumes directly. Unfortunately most hardware stores don't carry these chemicals because care should be taken in their use. One additional use I have found is that if I break off a small
drill bit in titanium frames I use on folders the etchant does a great job of dissolving the bit without harming the titanium so it is aggressive...
 
Like others said radio shack PCB enchant , I have used it on 4 knives it works perfect, what I do is this. First wash the knife very well with soap and water, I tape the knife up with blue painters tape, I build a barrier around the logo with small pieces of tape around 1/8 " high and put the enchant on and let it sit for around an hour, then I wash it clean , strip it with kleen strip and it comes out great
 
Mikeynyc said:
Like others said radio shack PCB enchant , I have used it on 4 knives it works perfect, what I do is this. First wash the knife very well with soap and water, I tape the knife up with blue painters tape, I build a barrier around the logo with small pieces of tape around 1/8 " high and put the enchant on and let it sit for around an hour, then I wash it clean , strip it with kleen strip and it comes out great
Click to expand...

I'd like to see some pics of what an hour etch looks like. Mine have all been done a lot longer than that. My FBM in my signature was 10 hours I think.
 
Why no love for electrolytic etching?
All you need is a battery alligator clips with some cable and salt water soaked q tips.
Faster and cleaner.
 
Jens Schuetz said:
Why no love for electrolytic etching?
All you need is a battery alligator clips with some cable and salt water soaked q tips.
Faster and cleaner.
Click to expand...
I've done the PCB etch a few times and can't see it getting any easier. I don't even tape mine off. Dip a Q-tip, dab a few drops on the logo, let it sit for a an hour or two. Done.
 
jd4320t said:
I'd like to see some pics of what an hour etch looks like. Mine have all been done a lot longer than that. My FBM in my signature was 10 hours I think.
Click to expand...

As soon as I get home from work il upload some pics , I have them on my phone but upload keeps failing
 
There ya go, etched and stripped skelly warden, came out perfect, 1 hour etch
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    68.9 KB · Views: 76
Please remember that if the knife has a "crinkle" paint that the etchant WILL travel under the tape or dam and if it finds the cutting edge (bare steel) or thin paint (edges and corners) it will etch (dissolve) the metal. I experienced this when etching my BOSS Jack.
The longer the chemical sits the deeper and more defined the logo. I think this looks best.
I like to dip a q-tip into etchant and then dab the area you want etched filling with just enough. Check back on it every couple hours and reapply. This uses the least amount of etchant.
 
Last edited:
For my last knife I used Ferric Chloride and I made my dam from a short length of Mortite. It is moldable and sticky & it worked great.
Mortite is that caulking cord that you use to winterize windows and the like and in the Spring you just peel it back off.

This stuff.
rope-caulk-584x293.jpg
 
Bullcarver said:
For my last knife I used Ferric Chloride and I made my dam from a short length of Mortite. It is moldable and sticky & it worked great.
Mortite is that caulking cord that you use to winterize windows and the like and in the Spring you just peel it back off.

This stuff.
rope-caulk-584x293.jpg
Click to expand...

Great idea I have access to
Tons of this shit , il
Try it next time
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top