- Joined
- Mar 26, 2002
- Messages
- 3,397
When etching blades to reveal the hardening zones
(temperline hamon ......)
First mix the liquid with an equal amount of 'corn-starch'
by volume.
Then, as usual, add the drop or two of dish liquid
to increase the 'wetting' of the liquid
to prevent droplets forming on the blade.
The corn-starch
(spices/baking aisle,
or baby aisle...sometimes baby-powder is -not- talc)
#1 thickens the liquid while it is on the blade-
slowing runoff & keeping the layer over the steel thicker.
#2 you can better see where the etchant is applied.
Increase or decrease the cornstarch to your liking.
I like thicker than the 50/50 gives.
When the mixture sits for a short time,
the starch settles to the bottom,
but just squish it with your fingers to quickly mix it back in.
I did this with straight vinegar,
can't say how it works with anything else,
but it should work fine with anything that doesn't eat starch.
If you keep the mixture in a bottle only half full,
then it's easy to shake up after it has settled.
<> THEY call me 'Dean' <>
<> fYI-fWiW-iIRC-JMO-M2C-YMMV-TiA-YW-GL-HH-HBd
<> Noobee <> Tips <> Baha'i Prayers Links --A--T--H--D
(temperline hamon ......)
First mix the liquid with an equal amount of 'corn-starch'
by volume.
Then, as usual, add the drop or two of dish liquid
to increase the 'wetting' of the liquid
to prevent droplets forming on the blade.
The corn-starch
(spices/baking aisle,
or baby aisle...sometimes baby-powder is -not- talc)
#1 thickens the liquid while it is on the blade-
slowing runoff & keeping the layer over the steel thicker.
#2 you can better see where the etchant is applied.
Increase or decrease the cornstarch to your liking.
I like thicker than the 50/50 gives.
When the mixture sits for a short time,
the starch settles to the bottom,
but just squish it with your fingers to quickly mix it back in.
I did this with straight vinegar,
can't say how it works with anything else,
but it should work fine with anything that doesn't eat starch.
If you keep the mixture in a bottle only half full,
then it's easy to shake up after it has settled.
<> THEY call me 'Dean' <>
<> fYI-fWiW-iIRC-JMO-M2C-YMMV-TiA-YW-GL-HH-HBd
<> Noobee <> Tips <> Baha'i Prayers Links --A--T--H--D