J. Neilson article in KI question

rocketmann

rocketmann

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Dec 24, 2005
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I was reading this months issue of knives illustrated and noticed a article by J.Neilson. He was showing how he attaches a hidden tang handle. The blade in question had a rectangle piece of wrought iron already soldered on and he added a buffalo horn spacer and a wooden handle. He epoxied the whole knife together with the guard and spacer still in it's rough form. My question is, How does he etch the wrought iron guard with out messing up the handle and spacer ?? I would think that you would have trouble with the wood and buffalo horn absorbing the ferric chloride or the TSP solution ?? Is this how most guys do it ?? I would be afraid of rust and swelling / staining problems from the etchant ...Any insight ??
 
Some folks will coat the "safe" areas with heavy but carefully applied coats of nail polish or other resists like asphaultum and then etch, Louis. After etching, it's removed with mineral spirits or acetone.
 
He could mask off the spacer/wood with electrical tape or nail polish.

I would assemble the blade and guard, build the handle and have it finished and ready for gluing. Etch the blade and guard together and then glue on the finished handle.
 
Yup, what Fitzo said.

It should be noted that a lot of folks use clear nail polish for this, while some use something with a color to it so they can see when it's all been removed. Be aware though, I've heard of at least one case where using nail polish with a color to it left a tint on a piece when finished. In his case it turned out kind of neat so it wasn't a problem.

-d
 
I am just afraid of the etchant getting between the WI and the other parts of the knife... Must work though, Jay makes some nice blades and I haven't heard of anyone complaining of problems with them..
 
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