to describe my process,
Use powder free latex gloves.
step one:
degrease completely with windex/alcohol. Make sure to dry completely with a micro fiber clothe or air gun. Get all the interior structures such as the spydiehole and the jimping. (uses toothpicks if you have to).
Step two:
coat all lock contact areas and pivot areas with nail polish (ferric chloride will not react under the nail polish) let it dry completely.
Step three:
use a coat hanger or paper clip as a holder while dipping in the ferric chloride. Dip the blade in the solution of ferric chloride (for me its usually about a 50/50 diluted solution with distilled water). The warmer the solution is the faster the etch will take.
step four:
After 15 mins take the blade out and rinse under hot water. Scrub the blade with your fingers and you will notices the blackest part of the etch will come off. (This is normal)
The blade will be a dull grey color and not black at this point.
Step five:
Continue to repeat steps four and five until the desired darkness is achieved.
With stainless steels, it is hard to achieved a black finish. At best you may get a dark dark grey.
Step six:
degrease again and stone wash the blade. It takes about 15mins worth of stonewashing to get a nice even consistency on the blade.
Step seven:
use nail polish remover on the nail polish
Step eight:
reassemble knife and sharpen
Step nine:
Go cut some stuff and enjoy the fruits of your labor
