Stencil Electrolyte for Stainless

[JTknives]

I just realised that I don’t have any stencil juice for stainless. I have allways used home brew electrolyte for carbon steels. But I’m not wanting to mess with that any more and I got a bunch of AEBL to mark, as well as some D2. Looking for recommendations on something that gives a clean, DEEP dark etch. Thanks guys - JT

 

[LARRYZ10]

I have tried a bunch of solutions over the years in search of a great electrolyte and I can recommend #94 sold by IMG in New York. A quart will last you the rest of your life. I only grind stainless steel now an # 94 is the best. Talk to Patricia at IMG. They know everything about etching. I use stencils from TUS and also Marking Methods... both are good but the IMG etching solution is the best in my opinion. Larry

 

[JTknives]

Thanks, I also use TUS stencils. Thy have been grate.

 

[jdm61]

I am using the old "expired" regular stuff that I got form USA knife maker a few years back in AEB-L and it works fine.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Patricia at IMG is very knowledgeable. I just ordered juice and she really helped me out with some issues I was having. She also does my stencils.

 

[JTknives]

Is the only way to order by phone or email, no web store?.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Is the only way to order by phone or email, no web store?.

I've always used the phone.

 

[TLR]

I use solution from IMG as well and like Larry found #94 to work best on the Elmax from my last run.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Patricia and IMG are the only way to go for stencils.
That said, I've used the SCE-4 electrolyte on both my stainless San-mai - 410/420/416 - and my simple carbon and Damascus for years. I can't see why it wouldn't work on AEBL as well.
Here are some San-mai and a couple W2:

 

[jdm61]

That is the stuff that I got from USA Knifemaker and mine is definitely older than 2 years. I etch then mark, so I am getting the black down into a relatively deep etch. On the AEB-L, the black might not be AS black in absolute terms than say on the W2 or 1084, but that may be the age of the sauce or it may just be an optical delusion aka the age of my eyeballs.

Patricia and IMG are the only way to go for stencils.
That said, I've used the SCE-4 electrolyte on both my stainless San-mai - 410/420/416 - and my simple carbon and Damascus for years. I can't see why it wouldn't work on AEBL as well.
Here are some San-mai and a couple W2:

 

[Brock Cutlery]

Patricia and IMG is so knowledgeable, you want to call. Trust me on that. I used to use TUS but ain't looking back.
I like IMG stencils better too. They are different. I use SC-44 on AEBL and seems to work well.
They have a solution 'kit' that is inexpensive and you can talk to Patricia to have them put together a solution kit just for your needs. At least they did for me.
This way you can experiment with a few until you find the one you like for your materials.

 

[Maineiac1]

I never knew etchant was so particular! Ive been doing the backyard saltwater crap and I guess its time to order the right stuff! So there is a big difference in the etch outcome?? I also use stencils from TUS.

 

[JTknives]

I called them up and we chatted for like an HR, lol. You where right she was a big help. I did get scolded for using paper towels and cue tips for etching, (don’t tell me that she would say). So she got me set up with a fluid set that has an assortment for me to try out. Also a custom hand unit that’s 1”x1” and proper pads to use with it. So I’m all set and hope my sketchy etches are behind me.

 

[Don Hanson III]

I never knew etchant was so particular! Ive been doing the backyard saltwater crap and I guess its time to order the right stuff! So there is a big difference in the etch outcome?? I also use stencils from TUS.

Yes, Big Difference!

 

[bmilleker]

I called them up and we chatted for like an HR, lol. You where right she was a big help. I did get scolded for using paper towels and cue tips for etching, (don’t tell me that she would say). So she got me set up with a fluid set that has an assortment for me to try out. Also a custom hand unit that’s 1”x1” and proper pads to use with it. So I’m all set and hope my sketchy etches are behind me.

I would love to see what hand unit she sold you, and how it compares to the Personalizer Plus.

 

[JTknives]

I will post a pic once I get it. It was custom made for me to a 1”x1” square and cost $55.