Mokume: to etch or not to etch ?

[DCT]

I have some very nice diamond pattern mokume that I am using for bolsters on a hunter. I am unsure if I should etch them or just let them age. Anyone care to post your preferences?

Thanks
Dean

 

[Alan Folts]

Dean I have given up te etch on most mokume I use. It just makes it too contrasting and not natural enough IMO. I have gone to hanging my peices of mokume over some cotton balls soaked in pure amonia and some table salt, and just look through the clear glass of the bottle til you get the contrast you are looking for.. It just speeds up the patina of age and with enough time will turn copper almost pure black, after that it goes blue and even into green but the greens are NOT durable unless coated with laquer or something of the sort. Not the kind of thing you want on most knives.

I have thought about using the green patina on it and then using a clear powder coat to protect is though...

Also try bead blasting it and letting it turn naturally, the severe satin finish really brings out the cotrast in the materials. I saw a maker doing this with Tri-color mokume and it turned out very interesting..

Just My thoughts,

Alan Folts

 

[DCT]

Alan,

Thank you for your input. That was exactly what I was looking for. The knife has an excellent set of desert ironwood scales and I think the etch would make the bolsters a little louder than I wanted.

I will try using the ammonia though...Great idea..

Thanks and take Care
Dean