Signature etching

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I have been looking for an inexpensive alternative to replace the pads I use use on my etcher and finally found a cheap solution that works great!

Felt from the craft store! Just double it up and you are good to go, it will etch cleanly and deeply if you like a deep etch. I think I paid 50 cents for a 9x11 piece and it should last me a while.

I hope this helps and saves some money as well!

 

[Wulf]

Thanks for the tip. Just last week I asked my stencil maker (Ernie Grospitch) what he uses and he said the same thing

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Thanks for the tip. Just last week I asked my stencil maker (Ernie Grospitch) what he uses and he said the same thing

Thanks! I use Ernie's stencils and the felt really works great with them!

I'd say my etch is as deep and clean as any stamp with the felt.

 

[Jason Fry]

While we're sharing etching secrets, I've got one. Don't go cheap on your etching fluid. I made up a homebrew solution of saltwater and vinegar. Etched alot of blades that way. Finally spent $5 on some etching solution from Mickley, and my marks instantly became crisper and less fuzzy. Literally stupid of me to put fuzzy marks on knives costing hundreds of dollars, because I didn't want to spend $5.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

While we're sharing etching secrets, I've got one. Don't go cheap on your etching fluid. I made up a homebrew solution of saltwater and vinegar. Etched alot of blades that way. Finally spent $5 on some etching solution from Mickley, and my marks instantly became crisper and less fuzzy. Literally stupid of me to put fuzzy marks on knives costing hundreds of dollars, because I didn't want to spend $5.

Great tip!

I tried saltwater/vinegar as well and agree, the solution from usaknifemaker or etch-o-matic is great stuff!

 

[Mike Davis]

I use craft store felt also. Now you have me wanting to try the etching fluid lol. Good tips everyone!

 

[Patrice Lemée]

I bought the fluid from Stacy and forgot I had it.
I use Q-Tips in the alligator clamp of my homemade Crawford etcher. Gives me more control than the pads.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I bought the fluid from Stacy and forgot I had it.
I use Q-Tips in the alligator clamp of my homemade Crawford etcher. Gives me more control than the pads.

I'm very happy with my etch but I'll have to try that, I bet it would work especially well with the orange peel textured titanium I like to do. Your etch always looks great.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Daniel, it's a little tricky at first to get the right amount of fluid in the Q-tips and also how close to the tip to attach the clip. A few minutes trying with a piece of steel should let you know how to set it up. I etch on 12V using 3 Q-tips (both sides) and darken using 1, again both sides.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Daniel, it's a little tricky at first to get the right amount of fluid in the Q-tips and also how close to the tip to attach the clip. A few minutes trying with a piece of steel should let you know how to set it up. I etch on 12V using 3 Q-tips (both sides) and darken using 1, again both sides.

Thanks for the umm... tips!