Ferric Chloride Questions.

[tbow]

Does etching with Ferric Chloride guard against rust on 1084 like vinegar? Is there any best way to use it or is it just trial and error? What mixture is best I have access to 40% as well as powder? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Darrin Sanders]

Yes, it will help with corrosion resistance but wont totally prevent it. Its basically like bluing a gun. Your 40% solution will work. The knife in the pic is O1 but this will work on any carbon steel. Here is how I do it. You may need to change the etching time to suit your needs.

1. Finish the blade to an even 220x finish. Thats all thats needed. Anything finer will just wash out in the etch anyway.
2. Clean the blade thoroughly. I wash with dish liquid the wipe down with denatured alcohol. Clean blades give a nice even etch.
3. Etch. 5-20 minutes depending on the desired look. You can always clean the blade and re-etch until you determine the best etch time.
4. Wash the blade under tap water and remove the "loose" black with a small rag or cotton ball. Its just a thin film and comes off easily. Whats underneath is what you want.
5. Neutralize. I boil the blade for 20 min. in water and Tri-Sodium Phosphate but you can use baking soda or ammonia. I find that boiling the blade helps set the etch and makes it a little more durable.
6. Dry the blade and oil it.

Its a lot simpler than it sounds. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. Good luck.

 

[tbow]

Thanks Darrin, have not heard of boiling to set it. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Josh Mason]

Darrin is the man, so I really have nothing to say except that a swipe or two of some plochmans yellow mustard on top of the ferric job will give you some pretty wild effects. It's the areas you don't put mustard on, that's the trick.