How Can You Master Acid Etching on Steel Knife Blades?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around mastering the art of acid etching on tempered steel knife blades, focusing on techniques, materials, and safety considerations. Participants explore various methods and share their experiences related to the etching process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn about acid etching on stainless knife blades and seeks advice on suitable mask coatings and acids.
  • Another participant suggests using the photoresist etching method, noting that it can produce sharp edges if executed correctly.
  • A different participant recommends Ferric Chloride as a common etchant, providing a dilution ratio and suggesting heating the solution for faster etching.
  • This participant also mentions using fingernail polish as a mask coat, detailing the process of scribing lines and removing the polish post-etching.
  • Additionally, a method involving a salt solution and electrical current is mentioned, with a caution about chlorine gas production during the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and materials for acid etching, indicating a lack of consensus on the best methods or materials to use. The discussion remains unresolved with differing opinions on techniques.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific techniques and materials without providing detailed instructions or addressing potential safety concerns comprehensively. The effectiveness of different methods may depend on individual execution and conditions.

334dave
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hi , i am newbie here and reading through i find it ... stimulating..

now as to what brought me here..
i have wanted to look into art form of acid etching different knids of tempered steel
used in stainless knife blades..

does anyone there know what mask coating will take a fine line scribed in it yet still give me a good sharp edge and what acids are best or safest to use..

i have Googled the subject and find nothing related to art acid etching or instructions or how to
only the photo / electro marking systems which do not produce fine sharp edges ..
also if some one knows of a site devoted to this a url would be nice..
thanks !
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
btt anyone know? or should i check a diff forum?
 
btt still looking..any one?
 
I'd suggest using the photoresist etching method used for making PCBs.
It does give fairly sharp edges (look at a circuit board), if done correctly.
 
Ferric Chloride, sold at Radio Shack as an etchant for electronic boards is commonly used as an etchant for knife blades. I dilute mine about 4 parts water to 1 part Ferric Chloride. Also it etches faster if the solution is heated to about 150 degrees or so.

For a mask coat you can use fingernail polish. When dry scribe your line in it. After etching remove the fingernail polish with acetone. I use Red nail polish because it is easy to see and easy to make sure you have all of it removed.

I also have a written procedure for etching using a salt solution and an electrical current, works well for small stuff but remember that introducing an electrical current into salt water produces chlorine gas. You have to make your own stencil though but that can be done with scotch tape.
 

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