if I remember correctly you have to "pickle" stainless". It uses a mild acid and then color the steel. It's been a long time since I came across that, do some googling to be sure.
First attempt at force-aging a bladeblade
- Thread starter synspeed
- Start date
Ferric chloride will darken stainless to a light grey. Will look darker until you buff with 000 or 0000 steel wool as was mentioned above. I use 50/50 ferric and white vinegar, other guys cut 50/50 with distilled water.
Synspeed is that O-1? I did two blades this weekend and I'm so used to stainless that I soaked the O-1 a bit long, I had to make a couple of passes with a 220 belt and then etch again. I'll post pics if I remember once I finish the handle. I etch after the handles are on and done because once you glue up you will remove all the etch when you grind the handle flush with the steel. Of course a q-tip will handle those areas if you worry about the etchant coloring the handle...
Synspeed is that O-1? I did two blades this weekend and I'm so used to stainless that I soaked the O-1 a bit long, I had to make a couple of passes with a 220 belt and then etch again. I'll post pics if I remember once I finish the handle. I etch after the handles are on and done because once you glue up you will remove all the etch when you grind the handle flush with the steel. Of course a q-tip will handle those areas if you worry about the etchant coloring the handle...
