Working with ferric chloride

B

Bob Duguay

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Aug 28, 2017
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working on a knife that I have etched in FC that will have scales. Of course by the time I glue and finish scales the etch will be gone on the tang. The scales are g10. So I was thinking of using a qtip and try to etch the tang.
Do you thing the FC will stain the g10?
Do you think the FC will effect the epoxy on the edge of tang?
Thanks Bob
 
Bob Duguay said:
working on a knife that I have etched in FC that will have scales. Of course by the time I glue and finish scales the etch will be gone on the tang. The scales are g10. So I was thinking of using a qtip and try to etch the tang.
Do you thing the FC will stain the g10?
Do you think the FC will effect the epoxy on the edge of tang?
Thanks Bob
Click to expand...
I only use Apple Vinegar to etch carbon Damascus Steels cause it it a lot easier and safer than ferric chloride and I can do it in the house if I like. Perhaps it will work for your tang?
 
Bob Duguay said:
working on a knife that I have etched in FC that will have scales. Of course by the time I glue and finish scales the etch will be gone on the tang. The scales are g10. So I was thinking of using a qtip and try to etch the tang.
Do you thing the FC will stain the g10?
Do you think the FC will effect the epoxy on the edge of tang?
Thanks Bob
Click to expand...
Why you don t try on small piece of G10 and on epoxy ?
 
I did and it did not seem to bother it. So I tried it and it worked pretty good. It did not get as dark but it blends very well.
 
Finish your scales around the tang before etch and glue up. Then when you glue make sure you wipe all the epoxy of with alcohol. When it dries finish the rest of the scales.
 
The short answer to your question is that the patina can be touched up with a Q-tip and FC.

The caveat is that you want the scales to be well glued to the tang so no FC runs underneath them. After the touch-up, neutralize the area with Windex or another cleaner containing ammonia. Then wipe clean and oil.
 
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