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How Can You Add A Personal Touch To Your Knives With Chemical Logo Etching?

Introduction

Chemical etching lets you add a personal touch to your knives by adding your own logo. It uses a reaction between an acidic solution and the steel of the blade. 

The type of steel, the acid used, and the time spent etching all affect the result. You can use strong acids like hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. Weaker acids work too, such as vinegar, citrus juice, or mustard.

What Are The Two Types Of Etching?

There are two main etching methods used today: wet and dry. Both rely on corrosion to etch materials. Wet etching uses chemical solutions. Dry etching uses gases.

What Are The Most Commonly Used Methods For Knives?

For this article, we will focus on a common etching solution for knives: ferric chloride. It works well on steel. But, do not use it on aluminium. It can cause a dangerous reaction. Always research your acid and metal before starting to, avoid problems. Learning all the tips and tricks from a knife making course will help you create the perfect pattern. 

How Does Stone Washing Work?

Stone washing, often used for denim and jeans, works just like it sounds. An item is washed in a tumbling or vibrating container with water, soap, and abrasive material. For fabric, this gives a lighter, well-worn look. For metal, it can create anything from a fine matte finish to a rough, scratched look.

Big companies use large machines to stone wash blades. You can use a similar technique in your garage, but on a smaller scale.

The result of stone washing depends on the tumble intensity and the medium (stones) used. Fine media, like sand or walnut shells, give an even matte finish. This is more like tumble polishing than true stone washing.

Bead blasting, or sandblasting, also uses abrasives, but from a pressurised nozzle. This needs an air compressor and media blasting setup, which can be expensive. We will look at rougher stone washing since it is easier and cheaper for beginners.

Stone washing can be done with cheap materials that you can reuse. Heavier media, like stones or ceramic pieces, give a rougher look. Increasing the vibration or using uneven natural stones can make the finish even rougher.

What Materials Do I Need To Stone Wash?

So, here is a quick breakdown of the material you will need to acid-etch and stone wash:

Acid Etch:
  • Protective gloves, eyewear, and a well-ventilated area
  • Acidic etching solution (like pre-diluted ferric chloride) 
  • Acid-etch resist (nail polish, Vaseline, or vinyl stickers)
  • Two plastic or glass containers (one for acid, one for water)
  • Baking soda (to neutralise acid)
  • Coat hanger or wire
  • Optional: sandpaper, cotton swabs
Stone Wash:
  • Vibratory tumbler (e.g., Harbour Freight 2.8 kg model)
  • Ceramic tumbler media (e.g., triangular ceramic abrasive stones)
  • Water and dish soap
  • Optional: plastic bottle with additional stones (for manual stone washing)

Other metal parts, like handle scales, can also be stonewashed. For instance, a handle can be stonewashed and then anodized.

Learn the Process

Once you have everything, the methods are straightforward. You might need to adjust and try different things to get the result you want. Begin with a cheap knife.

Acid Etch:

  • Take apart your knife and clean the part you want to etch
  • Put ferric chloride in a jar
  • Use nail polish or Vaseline to cover areas you do not want to be etched
  • Lower the part into the acid using a wire
  • Leave it in the acid for 5–15 minutes
  • Rinse the part with water and baking soda to neutralise the acid
  • Clean the blade
  • Repeat if needed
  • Store the acid safely

Stone Wash:

  • Put ceramic stones and water in the tumbler
  • Add your metal part
  • Turn on the tumbler until you get the look you want
  • Optional: Use a plastic jug with stones, water, and soap for a rougher finish
  • Clean, oil, reassemble, and sharpen your knife

Check this out:

Be Creative With Your Pattern

To create a pattern, use many different materials like nail polish,  permanent markers, stickers, or tape. These act as barriers to prevent acid from reaching the steel, leaving a pattern once removed.

Exposed metal darkens where the acid touches. Protect crucial areas like the pivot, detent, and lock face on folding knives to avoid damaging them. Similarly, shield the pivot area and ball detent when etching liners or scales.

Some handy tips

  • The acid’s concentration affects the etch
  • The acid’s temperature affects the etch
  • Different steels react differently to acid
  • Acid is dangerous, so stay attentive
  • Acid drips will mark your sink
  • Acid is dark orange and stains skin and clothes

By following these simple steps, you can add a unique and personal touch to your knives through chemical logo etching and stone washing. Remember, practice and experimentation will help you perfect your technique. 

If you want to learn more, look at taking a course on knife making. Joining other knife makers can be a great way to share tips, get feedback, and create beautiful knives together. Embrace the process, enjoy the creativity, and watch your skills grow!

People Also Ask

What happens if you etch for too long?

Over-etching can remove too much material. Most hybrid zones are about 10–20 microns deep. Over-etching can reach up to 80 microns, which is too deep for hydrophilic resin to penetrate.

Is Chemical Etching permanent?

Chemical etching engraves metal using a high-pressure, high-temperature chemical spray. This process removes material, forming a lasting image on the metal surface.

What precautions should be taken before etching?

Always wear a lab coat in the sample preparation lab.

Wear safety glasses and gloves when grinding, polishing, and etching.

Etch is only under supervision.

What is the purpose of etching?

Etching is a chemical or electrolytic process used after metallographic grinding and polishing. It increases contrast on surfaces. This helps to see the microstructure or macrostructure.

What is an etching test?

Etching the metal defines the boundaries between the base metal, weld metal, and HAZ (heat-affected zone). This process also reveals the sample’s microstructure and flow lines. The cut and etch test allows weld inspectors to thoroughly evaluate a weld for penetration fusion, defects, and other material characteristics.

Author: Janice van der Westhuizen

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