What would ferric chloride do to a handle?

[Wildewinds]

So I need to refinish the damascus on one of my knives. I understand that ferric chloride is used to bring out the damascus pattern. I think I need to dip the whole blade in the stuff. The problem is that it has a handle already (wood. Ebony & cocobolo).

What will the ferric chloride do to the handle? Any ideas on how to mitigate the problem?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Short answer - ruin it!

Tape the handle off with electrical tape ,very tightly wrapped, and it may keep the FC out.

 

[J.Wade]

Short answer - ruin it!

Tape the handle off with electrical tape ,very tightly wrapped, and it may keep the FC out.

I second that ,every word of it.

cya
jimi

 

[fitzo]

Coat the handle and guard carefully with (nylon) nail polish. Two coats won't hurt. Let it dry. Etch, immmersing no more than necessary in the FeCl. Rinse, neutralize, and clean your blade up. Remove nailpolish with acetone. Re-wax handle.

There are a number of guys who regularly etch after the handle is on using this technique. You can get cheap nail polish at a dollar store.

 

[Raymond Richard]

You can get cheap nail polish at a dollar store.[/QUOTE]

You can get a better deal at the 99c store......

 

[fitzo]

.......You can get a better deal at the 99c store......

Now that was pretty funny, Ray! :thumbup: