Ethant and non-damascus steel

[Burchtree]

What does the PCB Etchant (I think that's what it's called from Radio Shack) do to knives that aren't damascus? This may sound like a silly question, but does it help with the finish, or help bring out the temper line?

 

[Colin KC]

Hi,
As part of a complete finishing process & dependant on the steel & method(s) of quench, etchant can aid in showing a good hamon (commonly, temper line)

Some makers can also, with the use of resists, create makers marks & many & varied patterns in the steel