Recommendation? Etching low carbon cladding

[Skiller1nc]

I purchased some San Mai bar stock w Takefu White Steel(Shiro2) core + 22 layer Suminagashi Outer from maker material supply.

It came with instructions on how to etch the blade once finished. They recommended a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid and water. I know this isn't normal damascus in the sense of high carbon/ nickel steels but should I use dilute Hcl or ferric chloride? or maybe even vinegar? Would a coffee etch after the acid help darken the pattern or is that more for high carbon damascus. Just looking for some opinions, I have no experience with low carbon cladding.

 

[HSC ///]

I’ve use that steel a lot and I’ve always just used FC etch diluted for 3 to 1

I have not bothered to use anything else and can’t give you any advice there

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Same here. I use water to FC at 3:1 ratio. The FC is a stock solution at 42° Baume.