Electro-etching my new BK-16, patina

granitestateofmind

granitestateofmind

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Apr 20, 2013
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New 16 arrived in the mail a couple of days ago, and since I've been home lying around (back injury) I've been reading up on etching with salt water and electricity. I plan on stripping the coating, but before I do, I thought I'd give this a try first....
Basic setup: partially stripped blade for good conduction, car battery charger, salt water & Q-tips

Then I just kept dipping the Q-tip in the salt water and clmping it in the negative clip - the 6 amp setting seemed to work a little better. When it was all said and done, I think I ended up with a pretty good etch:

I'm sure it's deeper than the factory laser etch, I'll post more when I'm done stripping it

If I can rig up an A/C etcher, I'll give that a try before the strip - its supposed to darken the steel...
Thanks for checking this out!
 
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Nice job :)
AC will indeed darken the steel,and it will look much better when you strip it,so go for it.
 
How you gonna fix that scuffed up paint on the tip?

I think you ruined it.....

:D

Moose
 
Excited to see how deep it is after you strip the blade. I've got a BK7, BK4, and a BK10 that need stripping and I would like to deepen the etch before I do.
 
Moosez45 said:
I think you ruined it.....
Moose
Click to expand...
I think I fixed it...


I'm stoked that this came out so well on the first try!



Now I'm gonna have to come up with a patina to do it right...



BTW, thanks for the offer Bobber, but I think I'll keep it. Might even use it. A lot.
 
That came out great! I'm going to have to try that. Thanks for posting up your process.
 
Ah very nicely done, but hey can't blame a guy for trying to help you out with disposing of a very "badly" scuffed blade, lol...
Looks really good, now beat on it like it badmouthed yo momma....
And go back in your shop and do the 9 too, but we wants pics of that one too for sure...
 
Bobber said:
Ah very nicely done, but hey can't blame a guy for trying to help you out with disposing of a very "badly" scuffed blade, lol...
Looks really good, now beat on it like it badmouthed yo momma....
And go back in your shop and do the 9 too, but we wants pics of that one too for sure...
Click to expand...

It's too late for the 9 and its laser etch, but now that I've got the process and the setup, some stuff is cookin' up in the ole noodle. And I will post pics - just don't hold yer breath :rolleyes:
 
Wow, that came out great! Just the right depth I'd say. I might have to try this, I have a battery charger somewhere.
 
NathanJ said:
Wow, that came out great! Just the right depth I'd say. I might have to try this, I have a battery charger somewhere.
Click to expand...
Just make sure that after you deepen the etch with the charger (or any DC power source, like a battery) get yourself an AC transformer as well (like for a doorbell or an alarm system) 16~24 VAC and that will blacken it. I also toothbrushed it with Bon Ami - basically baking soda, but that stuff is .99 a can! - before, in between and after the whole process. Gotta make sure the steel is clean and free of contaminants (like oil) before you start.

Thanks for the kind words.
 
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