Don't use something that will scratch the steel. Like an exacto knife. Use a sharpened brass rod or a leather modeling tool.
The scratches in the steel get etched to and look like crap.
I used this method with ferric chloride.
Nitric is kinda nasty from what I remember.
David Boye has a section is his book devoted to etching.
I etch customer intials on blades with those vinyl stick on letters from the office supply store.
I surround the letters with a cut out from a piece of clear plastic laminate. Apply all to a throughly cleaned , and warmed blade. I use ammonia, and a light bulb.
Make a little "pond"around the template with modelling clay and fill with ferric chloride. 5 to ten minutes depending on depth of etch required.
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