Wash the black oxide off between immersions and perhaps brush lightly with non-abrasive kitchen Scotchbrite or 800 grit paper. As soon as you're done, oil it. Etchant - Ferric Chloride (strength 42 baume), oil (I used olive oil as the knife will be used on food). It is a corrosive salt. Do not buff before etching! Posts: 199. You can also use Windex with this step, but do not try to break your piece. Once your Damascus is sanded to the correct grit, thoroughly wash it with alcohol and pat dry with a clean rag. Muriatic acid; Baking soda for neutralizing the acid; pH test strips . Most people use it cold, which is very slow. When you are happy with how deep the etch is and have done the final scrubbing, dip it in the acetone, allow to dry then give it another 3 minutes or so in the acid to get the final finish. Damascus steel is a famed type of steel recognizable by the watery or wavy light and dark pattern of the metal. With ferric acid, keep grit between 400 and 600. Add your Damascus clip to an acoustic container so that it can be released freely and not touch the sides or bottom of the container. Erik takes the lead with this video because it's his specialty, he shows how to clean the blades, prepare them for etching, etch them, neutralize them, polish after etching, and a lot of other little tricks in between. The nice folks at Forseti have their own quality assurance system in place, and they design many of the more interesting knives in their catalog. Complete etches in a well ventilated space and wear gloves, eye protection, and an apron or old clothes. Using an old dental rubber, dial Drums into acids to help remove any fat or fats that may not be available during cleaning, and remove removal materials as acids do their work. Once your Damascus is sanded to the correct grit, thoroughly wash it with alcohol and pat dry with a clean rag. ", Damascus's sleeves, guns, and other metallic pieces become more popular as artists and regain their art. What products are often used? Apparently this neutralises the piece as well as helping to set the oxides. Mix your Ferric Chloride 1 part to 3 parts of distilled water and put in suitable container. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies and safety gear, you will be ready to begin etching your garage floor. Place your board to be etched in your new solution and watch it go! Michael, my advise would be to dilute it down subtantially with distilled water. . Vegas Forge. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. The "active ingredient" in ferric chloride solution is hydrochloric acid. To warm your acid more quickly, the best method is to place the container of acid into a large bowl of warm water. I've heard lots of different solution strengths, but 3 parts distilled water to 1 part fecl has worked well for me. Acid reaches well in the cleanest place. It will rust almost immediately if you don't. . Is the pattern deep enough? Then on the last etch , take it out, neutralize the acid without touching the blade, rinse with cold sater, dry the blade with compressed air (I use dust off) and oil . We have Added Apple Pay, Google Pay & Facebook Pay to our check out. We are limited on the number of characters that can be used as the knives vary in size. Mix an acid solution by pouring 1 part acid into 10 parts water. This is a quick guide as to how I etch my damascus steel. In the video linked above, YouTuber TheSmokinApe acid-etches an ESEE blade with Frenchs mustard. It doesn't matter as long as the steel is as oil and wax free as it can be. The damascus is 5160/1018/15n20 nickle I heat treated in the canola got it cherry hot and dipped it tip down . Damascus Knife Blank Acid Etching Etching of Damascus is done after manufacturing or grinding of the blank to bring out the contrasting steel patterns. One of the reasons it is so popular is because of its versatility. 3 years ago. [save-account-details-nonce] => Thoughts? These bridges or buildings aroun, Make sure to wear regular gear when working with acids. How do I heat-treat my 1075 or 0-1 Carbon Damascus billet? Etching. For Pro's and DIY'ers, Klean-Strip is the leading brand of solvents, thinners, removers, and cleaners that are dependable for reliable results. We use a laser engraver to engrave on the Damascus steel. Clean the blade. Answer 03-25-2007, 09:56 PM. The keys are "pretty dilute" and "multiple, short immersions". Powered by Invision Community, good movies, good books, smithing, leatherworking, woodworking, guitar. What kind of acid do you use to etch a knife? Ferric Chloride - 1 Quart - 1000 ML - Copper Etchant Solution - Stainless Steel Etching Cream 4.6 (203) $2499 $22.49 with Subscribe & Save discount FREE delivery Tue, Feb 28 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Small Business MG Chemicals - 415-4L Ferric Chloride Copper Etchant Solution, 4L Liquid Bottle 4.7 (269) $4835 - $6862 FREE delivery FORGE, Jan 1, 2014 #4 Icho- Staff Member Likes Received: 154 Trophy Points: 63 Thanks Forge. My favorite supplier of muriatic acid is any place that carries pool supplies. Technically, most of the time, we laser etch the knife if lasering on the blade, and engrave it on the wood handle (if the knife has a wood handle). JavaScript is disabled. It truly is one of the best, if not the best, stainless damascus steel in the world. Rinsed the inside of the tank thoroughly with water, then sloshed some baking soda and water inside the tank to neutralize any remaining acid, drained and rinsed again. Rinse the floor thoroughly, squeegee away puddles, allow floor to dry. For example: "You can also use Windex with this step, but do not try to break your piece. I plan to buy some ferric chloride pretty soon, or go all mad scientist and make some, but I'd like to get a bit of use out of this $1 vinegar lol. . Make Ferric Chloride (for etching printed circuit boards). Do yourself a favor and get Ferric Chloride/PCB Archer Etchant from Radio Shack/online. You could use clear coat lacquer instead if you like. It's easy! Blotchiness in an etch is usually the result of oil somewhere in the system, either on the blade or in the etchant. It's used to etch printed circuit boards. Ideally you want to test the strength needed first before doing the entire floor. Muriatic Acid vs. Hydrochloric Acid Let your piece remain in acids for 10 to 15 minutes. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is also less potent because it's diluted with water (usually around 31.5 percent HCl) and contains impurities like iron. Muriatic also contains some other stuff, typically iron, which is already starting to become ferric. Also the finish can basically be removed with a dry cloth. Ferric chloride is not an "acid" per se. Generally speaking, you want to be at about a 400 grit finish or better to get an even etch across the pattern. For this reason, true Damascus steel is called wootz Damascus steel to distinguish it from imitations. Eliminates the need to use harsh chemicals, provides a safer work enviornment . Such is what I measured from home; it's typically advertised as 30%-32%. Lol. Using muriatic acid is no joke, and many DIYers believe it to be a . You are using an out of date browser. I degrease with multiple wipes of acetone on new paper towels each time, but some guys prefer dish soap and water or alcohol. Muriatic Acid will give a mirror/frosted finish on a polished finish and a lighter grey/grey pattern on a matte finish. (Recipe varies between smith). It still retains enough corrosive quality to etch your steel blades. Unless you get the vinegar to 400 degrees (Fahrenheit) or higher. you're good on temper. Etching Concrete: The Process. The key is to have the knife sanded and finished properly, then etch, then neutralize, then only VERY lightly sand it just enough and stop. Step 1: What You Need Some damascus steel Etchant - Ferric Chloride (strength 42 baume) Distilled water Acetone Glass or plastic containers Extra fine (000) steel wool Wire (to hang piece in acid) Bucket of water Rubber gloves Baking soda oil (I used olive oil as the knife will be used on food) Ask Question Comment Step 2: Clean Fill a glass jar with enough ferric chloride to cover the metal part. They dedicate their customers to the unique inspired world patterns around us, for example, raindrops, razor cords, and baskets. Hose down or dampen the entire area. If you choose, you can finish with the 2000 grit buffing compound and the soft wheel to shine on your Damascus clip, but you will lose some of the difference between metal components. Damascus Steel rings are made of two alternating types of stainless steel, AEB-L and 302, forged together and worked by hand to produce vivid patterns. [woocommerce-login-nonce] => The worst thing about Muriatic acid is storing two gallons of it without eating up every piece of steel in the shop. You can make a reasonable facsimile of ferric by dissolving steel wool in muriatic acid. Our mission is preserving and promoting the ancient craft of forged knives through education, testing and certification. The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing. Dampen the surface to be etched with clean water. That is why I recommended you dilute the HCl way down with water, Michael. View all products of Market Price & Insight. Stainless Steel and Damascus, Kitchen Knives and Other Specialty Knives, Knife Making Parts : Finger Guards and Butt Caps, Metal Buffing, Grinding and Sanding Tools & Supplies, Knife Sheaths, Cases, Edge Guards & Displays, Hock Handplanes, Draw Knives & Spoke Shaves, Special Order & Construction Grade Products. It is a straightforward process, which is used to enhance the appearance of the blade and bring the inherent pattern, lying in wait within the steel, to life. It is the ideal acid etch alternative. #5. "Regular" ferric chloride tion for future etching. If too late.no problem that is how we learn. 100% biodegradable, safe, non-acid based cleaner. I love watching Ilya's work. This chemical solution needs to be heated to a temperature of between 160-185F (71-85C) in order to properly etch the metal. My problem here is that I've had some really inconsistent results with the vinegar. Damascus Patterns - From Billet to Finished Product, What's the proper technique for etching Damascus? Each Damascus Steel ring is uniqueno two designs will look exactly alike. It is. Sure, you can etch steel with hydrochloric acid; e.g. Your email address will not be published. Hi, Sorry for the slow reply. In masonry work, etching is a way to chemically clean and prepare masonry for repair or painting. Advice? Steven Penner Joined Jan 29, 2006 Messages 606 Etching is done by exposing the cleaned and polished specimen surface to suitable etching solution such as those described in Table 1. Does etching have to be done before temper, or can you etch first and have the pattern survive the process? This prepares your steel for an even etch. The When it comes to finish work, addition of the muriatic acid keeps Berthelot recommends sanding the copper from looking blurry, and to at least a clean 600 grit prior to keeps the material out of the solu-etching. Hydrochloric acid has a normal pH of 1.5 to 3.5, while muriatic acid has a pH of about 1 to 2. I agree on the hammer ski Hello Jesse, Clorox wipes and Windex work well for cleaning. Warm acid gives a much faster etch, but then you get less time to control what's happening. Coffee Etching Damascus Steel | Knife Making How To/Tip. Ecommerce Site by NeONBRAND. Michael, it's easier to add more acid and try again than make it too strong and over-etch. Use a sprayer or watering container to distribute the acid, scrubbing in as needed. I have cleaned with soap and water, acetone, etc. Box 71092Springfield, OR 97475. Dilute by adding 1 part of Muriatic acid to 10 parts of water or 1 cup of acid per liter. Since you have muriatic acid, its really easy to make ferric chloride. The press method is the reverse. Even polishing hard will remove the pattern. Damascus Etching Is Completed With Ferric Chloride or Muriatic Acid Meet your sellers . Makes the material look like carbon steel Damascus. Etching acids can range from powerful hydrochloric or sulfuric acid to much weaker acids even household vinegar, citrus fruit, or mustard can be used effectively. How do you prepare ferric chloride solution for etching? Choose the acid you want to etch the steel with. It is AWESOME. In other words, it is a mixture of ferric and cupric chlorides that is renewable effectively forever. Damascus Steel the two give much different results. There are lots of ways and if they work they are correct. thank will wait till summer then to try it. I've been there before.. The strength of the acid generally determines how quickly the steel will be etched, the stronger the acid, the faster the process. [_wpnonce] => On-line through Amazon. When someone feels their ferric chloride batch has "gone bad", you can add a tablespoon or so of muriatic acid and regenerate it. This is for academic purposes only and should not be considered in any way a thorough instruction on this subject. ethanknott, Once the half hour is up, check the etching to make sure you're happy with the result. Chemistry, Martial Arts, Mathematics, Woodworking, and Hot Steel, http://www.geraldboggs.com">www.geraldboggs.com

. STEP 1: STARTING Bring your Damascus at the end of grit 400 to 600. I was wondering about the thoughts of cold or rust blui Requests: Array Mix the muriatic acid with water (1:10 ratio) in a bucket with the water before the acid, as the other way around will damage the bucket. Even a single fingerprint will effect your acid etch, so be cautious. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. This advanced formula incorporates a custom blend of surfactants, organic minerals and derivatives of a plant based extract for the most effective concrete etching solution available. Cleaning and Etching Concrete It easily dissolves the efflorescence on the concrete surface and removes other stains as well. It can also be used to remove soot from firebricks. Water down with 4 parts water to 1 part ferric. Keep it submerged for 10 to 15 minutes. Generally speaking, you want to be at about a 400 grit finish or better to get an even etch across the pattern. 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 distilled water to the FeCl are all commonly used dilutions. With clean water, dampen the surface to be etched. Joshua C States. Weapons made from Damascus steel are vastly superior to weapons formed from iron! -- Theodore Roosevelthttp://stephensforge.com. A place to talk about the use, maintenance, and acquisition of any As a major metal product on the market, strong power in Damascus is directly related to its quality. Ive etched a couple of blades using lemon + lime juice and varying dilutions of vinegar. After 5 minutes, rinse your piece of liquor and tie it with the pure rag. were can you get ferric cloride i've seen diluted in some placesbut havent found full strength, if i see it online they say they cannot ship it. Report. You can use some 2000 grit sandpaper at this stage to very lightly sand it to bring out the shine on the shiny steel. It is a straightforward process, which is used to enhance the appearance of the blade and bring the inherent pattern, lying in wait within the steel, to life. Of course, it is possible for any smith to have an improper batch, but any frequency of Damascu, Damascus1 creates the best products in America made of Damascus steel. Etching a stainless damascus steel knife (or any damascus) is not as complicated as many people tend to believe. In fact, it is not. this makes Ferris chloride, you need to add hydrogen peroxide to convert to ferric , go slow in an over large container is is an energetic reaction the ferris will be a green color, add peroxide until it turns brown and it is ferric, add distilled water until it etches nicely. Either will etch any high carbon steel, eventually. There are five distinctive patterns from which to choose. No odor, no smell, not a skin irritant, non-corrosive. Mix water and acid in 3 or 4:1 ratio. Wait for the acid to react with the slab surface. Then you can either just let the solution be open to air for a few days or add a bit of the hydrogen peroxide and boom, ferric chloride. This prepares your steel for an even etch. 3D Printed Futuristic Space Age Wall Clock. Tungsten, vanadium, and carbon impurities in the metal formed carbon nanotubules and stretched cementite spheroids that gave the blades their pattern and mechanical properties. Could have probably pypassed this step: dumped 1/2 gallon of phosphoric in the tank and sloshed it around with the cap shut and stoppers in. ( American Bladesmith Society bladesmiths represent the cutting edge of forged blade performance and design on six continents. placeholder="Leave a comment" onpropertychange="this.style.height=this.scrollHeight + 'px'" oninput="this.style.height=this.scrollHeight + 'px'">. If you need to warm your acids to be used, the best way to place your acids container is in a large amount of warm water. In our last etching video, linked below, we ended up using ferric chloride and then sulfuric acid, which didn't give the best results. How do I heat-treat 440C/CPM-154 Damascus billet?