Fire Etching

[MKustom]

I looked at acouple of knives that had what the owner called poor mans damascus. I have heard it called it fire-etched as well. I like the look, and am wondering what the process actually is. any info would be greatly appreciated

 

[mete]

I don't know about "fire " etching but it has been done with acids.

 

[MKustom]

What is the basic process?

 

[A C Richards]

If you have any pics we could probably help more. Poor mans damascus, I have seen rough forged blades with fire scale left on called this. Etching is a process where you dip the finished blade into acid or ferric chloride and it eats away the materials at different rates. Thus enhancing the pattern.

 

[Raymond Richard]

My friend Steven http://www.skknives.com/maxpages/Home is the only one I know of who fire etches a few of his knives. Its nothing more than putting a cleaned up blade in a coal fire and letting it scale up and then cleaning it up afterwards. It produces a rustic finish.

 

[MKustom]

I am wondering how that would affect the heat treat and or temper of the knife. I am also wondering if it has to be done in coal.

 

[Raymond Richard]

I am wondering how that would affect the heat treat and or temper of the knife. I am also wondering if it has to be done in coal.

If it wasn't done in coal it wouldn't be true fire etching...... You should be able to get the same thing using propane or what ever. Pretty sure it is done before heat treating. Why don't you contact Steven threw his web site and get the rest of the story. Tell him that Old Farting Ray sent you.