How to get temper lines in 5160 steel

Edge quench and temper as usual. Grind and polish to 2000 grit and dip the blade in a weak solution of ferric cloride (archer etchant from radio shack) and distilled water about 6 to 1 ratio. The softer steel will etch faster than the hard edge and show the temper line. Simply sand or buff the blade to remove the black oxide and back to shiney finish. 5160 doesnt show the line as well as brine, water or super quench or some of the other steels but it should still show up nicely with a crack free oil quench. Hope this helps.
 
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