Ferric chloride

[Colin Nicol]

What strength (concentration) of Ferric chloride do you use to etch logos on a blade? What about temper lines? What about other solutions?

[Don Cowles]

I use a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (FeCl to water), though I know some makers that go as high as 1:5. They, of course etch for a longer time.

It is helpful to warm the solution to at least 120deg. F. I do this by putting the container in a laundry tube with hot water in it.

The reason for the dilution is that the straight FeCl is so agressive that it etches the metals comprising the damascus at nearly the same rate, showing very little contrast in the final etched finish. Mixing it with water allows it to remove the softer metal at a little higher rate, showing more contrast.

[Tom Anderson]

And you can do fun stuff like this with it, too!



I call it "Poboy damascus."

It's just etched BG-42.

[jdlange]

Tom,

I would love to know how you got that pattern from etching, what did you use as a resist? I had read another thread where someone had used thread soaked in resist, is that similar to the method you used here or do you use something entirely different?

Thanks

[Tom Anderson]

I used spray glue - the same method I used for anodizing the overlays on the folder that's on the cover of Knives Annual 2003.

[jdlange]

That is just too cool an effect Tom, I have to tinker with that a bit, I really like it.