Ferric Chloride

[Walt2]

When Ferric Chloride mixed 4 to 1, how long do you leave it on O1?
Thanks

 

[Raymond Richard]

Walt, I usually go for a couple minutes the first time. Rinse it off in water and give it a rub. I use steel wool, 00000. Rinse it off and then put it back in for a minute or so and repeat the process untill your happy with what you got. Better to go that way instead leaving it in to long.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Until the etch is done to the amount you want.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

A thought to keep in mind when using ferric cloride is that the acid eats the hardened area of the steel quicker than the softer unhardened areas. I don't know what the ratio is, but it is considerable. The way the acid reacts to the different steel structures is what gives the nice temper line. I etch blades a little at a time, take them out, clean with water, put them back in until I like what I see.
Fred