What do I do with this?

Varga Knives

Varga Knives

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,302
I liked the way this one was coming out until I etched it. It had a fairly nice but not perfect 600 grit finish and now it looks like warm poo. The pattern kind of sucks and the etch is too faint. As you can see from the tip when it is turned the wrong way in the light the whole thing just washes out. I could probably live with the pattern if I could just get it darker. Aside from it already being a thin blade, I don't think I have the will to sand it down again. Prior to this one I did another with virtually the same outcome but that went from a mirror finish to crap to a 600 to crap to a 400 - where it stands now. When will I learn my lesson? Does anyone have a technique that may help me make it less ugly? Maybe etch and rub the whole thing a few more times or try a new resist pattern on top of this one and etch again. PLEASE, any suggestions to help me from hand sanding this one again are welcome. photo.jpgbad etch.jpg

Thanks
 
Vital Statistics would help:
Metal?
HT specs?
Source of metal?
Time length of etch?
Etchant?

I would probably just satin finish it.
 
Well, it looks like an abstract art etch. I might be inclined just to get some wild duracoated scales and run with the theme. If it looks deliberate, it's art :)
 
I think it looks great!!
Sounds like you're just being too hard on yourself Strider!!!
I bet if you finish it up with a nice handle someone will grab it up fast and be glad to have it!!
 
Thanks guys! Steel is Aldo's 1084 and Darrin did the HT but to what specs I don't know. I etched it for about 10 minutes in 50/50 FeCL/vinegar with one continous soak.

Hmm. I have some blue/yellow Kirinite that I have been sitting on for a long time... royal_pearl_2_1.jpg

The way it washes out at different angles still bothers me, though.
 
You could sand it down again at 220 grit with plenty of water. Then back to 400 grit. Clean it like you were preparing a surgical implant beefore etching.

If you mean 50% FC right out of the bottle and 50% vinegar...that is way too strong. The FC should be diluted at least 3:1 or more. I often use 10:1 for getting a darker blade in carbon steel. I give it 1 minute soaks, a 4/0 steel wool scrub, and repeat until I like the look.
 
Damn, I hate it when things work inversely to logic. So, a weaker solution gives a darker etch? 4/0 steel wool would take the resist I am using right off so when using a resist would neutralizing the solution between soaks have any effect or is it pointless?
 
I think the patterning is great - but for a show collector knife For damascus I etch in 3 parts water and 1 part ferric chloride usually about 12 minutes. To get a dark hard finish soak it in a solution of water with lots of baking soda. In 3or 4 hours take it out, wkipe it down with paper towels or a cloth and then apply some oil . I wish I had some of that to play with ! Frank
 
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