VEGA Classic and mustard etch

[Andrew Garrett]

It turns out that the mustard etch I did while back was pretty popular.

Her is another VEGA with two-tone (green/black) G-10.

1095 with 8" hollows and SS tubes

This one is already sold.






Thanks for looking.

[Cadillac Forge]

well executed andrew, i really like the vega model, with that patina kinda looks like camo
bruce

[Turkey Run]

That does remind me of camo,I like it!

[Andrew Garrett]

Thanks fellas.

The first time I ever tried a mustard etch it turned out like this. This is my second such endeavor. Maybe I should market some hunting blades with this 'camo' etch...

[EdStreet]

care to share what the mustard etch process is?

[Andrew Garrett]

The etch is simple, and I'm happy to share!

The knife is mirror polished and cleaned with alchohol. No handle has yet been installed.

I pulled out all the vinegar bearing sauces from our fridge:
Dijon mustard
Deli style mustard
Brown mustard
Horseradish mustard (I'm sure I butchered the spelling on that one)
Yellow mustard
Horseradish sauce
and A-1 Steak Sauce

I put about a half t-spoon of each on a saucer and blended lightly with the tip of a butter knife. I didn't blend all the way because I wanted some sepparation of the products.

Then I folded a regular envelope and dabbed the folded edge into the mix.

I used the dipped envelope to apply (daub) the 'mustard mix' in lines perpendicular to the blade. I pin the tang under a big phone-book on the kitchen couter with the mustard slathered edge hanging over the side. I let it dry about half way and apply some light heat with the heat gun I use to mold kydex. I never use enough heat to even come close to damaging the temper--just enough to inspire some cool colors under the vinegar.

Then, I wash it off with my fingers and repeat the process four times using slightly different angles each time to create a 'lattice' look in the etch.

When it looks good, I stop and install the handle.

As it ages, it will continue to change colors--I can't wait to see it in a year.

[Suicycle]

That is a really nice finish. I love that blade shape also.

[p moore]

Andrew;
That looks great. I didn't think you would get to see that one for a week, much less a year.

[Andrew Garrett]

I work with its new owner

[mcninch]

can you musturd etch stainless steel

[KNAdmin]

That looks great!!!

[David Broadwell]

Dang, Andy, you sure got the technique figured out! Neat looking blade.

How durable is it?

Does each of the mustards and the A1 really give a different color or shade, or could you have just used a single type of mustard sauce?

Looks great!

David