Hi all
I'm running into some difficulty, wondering if anyone can help.
I'm trying to achieve a full-blade etch (just an even, dull gray patina) using ferric chloride.
Steels are Bohler N690 and Sandvik 12c97, both hand finished to 1200 grit before etch.
Ok, now I know I shouldn't be putting a forced patina on 'stainless' type steels, but I'm just experimenting so go easy on me...
The problem is that on both steels, I can't get an even finish - both show up some strange patterns after the etch.
The Bohler N690 shows up some hairline effects (see pic) - these are there after HT but almost invisible with the naked eye - they become more pronounced after using the ferric. They are more pronounced on one side of the blade than the other.
On the sandvik, I get some swirling lines/patterns after the etch - not as bad as the marks on the N690 but still there.
What am I doing wrong? Should I be finishing to a higher grit before the etch? Or is there an inherent problem in etching these steels?
I'm applying the ferric with a cotton bud, wiping in one direction, then rinse and neutralize.
Any advice would be appreciated.
BTW the marks on the pics are much exaggerated due to lighting, but they are definitely visible with the naked eye.
Thanks all.
I'm running into some difficulty, wondering if anyone can help.
I'm trying to achieve a full-blade etch (just an even, dull gray patina) using ferric chloride.
Steels are Bohler N690 and Sandvik 12c97, both hand finished to 1200 grit before etch.
Ok, now I know I shouldn't be putting a forced patina on 'stainless' type steels, but I'm just experimenting so go easy on me...
The problem is that on both steels, I can't get an even finish - both show up some strange patterns after the etch.
The Bohler N690 shows up some hairline effects (see pic) - these are there after HT but almost invisible with the naked eye - they become more pronounced after using the ferric. They are more pronounced on one side of the blade than the other.
On the sandvik, I get some swirling lines/patterns after the etch - not as bad as the marks on the N690 but still there.
What am I doing wrong? Should I be finishing to a higher grit before the etch? Or is there an inherent problem in etching these steels?
I'm applying the ferric with a cotton bud, wiping in one direction, then rinse and neutralize.
Any advice would be appreciated.
BTW the marks on the pics are much exaggerated due to lighting, but they are definitely visible with the naked eye.
Thanks all.
