Need info on how to etch a temper line.

NDallyn

NDallyn

Joined
Jun 22, 2006
Messages
814
Hi from the Great White North.

I'm a beginning maker, working mostly with 0-1, and I was wondering if anyone could give me some info on how to etch a differentially tempered blade to darken the quench line. I already hand sand down to 1200 grit but would like to make things stand out a little better.
 
To make it really stand out you need to etch the blade, most use ferric chloride for this purpose. I guess that you could also do it with white vinegar. lets see the results!
 
Yeah, I'm in Calgary so I can pretty much get anything as far as electronic or industrial equipment.
 
At Radio Shack you can get, (or order) an etchant.
I think the etchant is used for circuit boards.

You just mix the radio Shack stuff with water...like 4 to one, ...and there you go.

I have my pre-mixed etchant kept in a glass Mason canning jar. and I keep that in a empty bucket of icecream to prevent the etchant from getting out of control if something should happen to the Mason jar.

NOW, I have a question about the etch system.

I dunk my knife in the Mason jar of etch for about 10 min, then I take it out to clean off.
However at this point there is a disagreement as to whats the best way to go.

Some knife makers say to take the knife out of the etch and dunk in some mixed up T.S.P. to kill and stop the etch...

Other knife makers say to just spray the knife out of the etch with Windex and that will kill the etch.

What are the facts?
What is the real answer?
 
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