[Crex]

Another thing to consider, if I'm reading your original post correctly, you plan to etch the blade/guard combo at one time. Not recommended, you will have a very hard iffy time killing the etch solution that capillaries up into the joint. If not complete removed, the etchant will continue to eat away in the joint and show itself later on - after you have finished the entire knife. Etch separately and refit, seal the joint with JB weld as you assemble for the final time.

Know what you are saying Jim, but WI is so uncertain when it comes to spot welding. Never know when you might hit that "junk" spot just under the surface and boomyah! Can get ugly real fast, at least for us backyard welders. Definitely not a highly skilled welder here, but I sure know I've had this happen enough times to not try it again.