Strange etching pattern

A

Afm37

Basic Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2024
Messages
8
Hi all. So I have been making Damascus knives for a little over a year, have had good results with my billets and blades, 15n20 and 1095. On the most recent blade I’m working on I tested the pattern after final grinding and everything looked good. I did my heat treat (1650, 1500 and 1300) then 1450 and quench in parks 50, I use a anti scale compound. Did my finish sanding to 800, I cleaned the blade with soap and water then with acetone, did a 1 minute dip and got a strange reaction on the blade, it’s only on the 1095 and only in spots? It looks like it crystallized. Any ideas on what would cause this? Sorry, can’t figure out how to add a picture from my phone.

Thanks
 
Afm37 said:
Hi all. So I have been making Damascus knives for a little over a year, have had good results with my billets and blades, 15n20 and 1095. On the most recent blade I’m working on I tested the pattern after final grinding and everything looked good. I did my heat treat (1650, 1500 and 1300) then 1450 and quench in parks 50, I use a anti scale compound. Did my finish sanding to 800, I cleaned the blade with soap and water then with acetone, did a 1 minute dip and got a strange reaction on the blade, it’s only on the 1095 and only in spots? It looks like it crystallized. Any ideas on what would cause this? Sorry, can’t figure out how to add a picture from my phone.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Can't help but I'd sure like to see a picture of this.
 
I’d be really interested to find out what exactly caused that. But I’d suggest maybe cleaning up the blade again and just trying a different etching solution. Maybe even just a soak in vinegar

I had some fcl that at some point got something in it and it would leave splotches and light spots on blades. Eventually noticed a film of some kinda liquid on the surface of the fcl in my etching tube, turned out that was my issue.
 
I did fully heat treat the blade, 1450 for 10 minutes, quenched in parks 50 and two 350 temper cycles. I think I’ll replace my etchant and regrind and try again.
 
It might not have been as clean as you thought?
I know a number of folks recommend not using acetone, or at least not last, because it can leave a film...
 
It’s the way I’ve done every knife I’ve made, first time I have had a issue. I reground the blade and am going to replace my ferric chloride and try it again. Heading to Sturgis for the week so it’ll be a bit before I get a chance to try it.
The last one I did came out nice!

Steve
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3394.jpeg
    IMG_3394.jpeg
    371.9 KB · Views: 5
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top