Streaky /blurry Etch

[blane Redbul]

Hey guys, am i doing anything wrong here? My previous etches didnt seem to bleed out like this. I did do a pretty deep etch this time 4 - 10 minute cycles rubbing with 000 wool in between. I like the contrast but not happy with the dark bleeding out, is this just a matter additional sanding?

Thanks.

 

[3fifty7]

I can’t help much other than ask for the information that others may need to help you.
What’s the steel, heat treatment, is it free of decarb, what’s the finish level, what etchant are you using ?



What the heck I’ll take a stab at it.
It seems as if your work is somewhat rounded and you are rubbing off a lot of the oxides. You could go with a high grit sand paper with a hard backing block to only hit the highs.

 

[blane Redbul]

1084/15n20, 50/50 mix of ferric with distilled water. Hand sanded to 400

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The blade needs to be agitated, and occasionally rinsed and wiped off during the etch. Otherwise, bubbles will form "trails/streaks" and places where the black crud builds up will stop etching. If doing a longer etch, I rinse the blade off with the hose about every minute.