Thread: Blade etch?

We gotta lotta smart peepul here - anybody got any ideas for getting an EXACT image of the etch on blades? Preferably something that most anybody could do? I'm thinking I might be able to put it back on after sanding, polishing, etc, possibly even the gold ones, but haven't figgered out the first part. Any Photoshop experts? Would need a black and white image of the etch, exact size. Ideas?
Mike

If you can build a graphic of the original etch, you can print it on vinyl, cut out the image, and sand blast it. That's how glass etchers do it. The vinyl could possibly be used with an etching solution, but I'm not sure how that is done.

Originally Posted by c_kyle

That's how glass etchers do it. The vinyl could possibly be used with an etching solution, but I'm not sure how that is done.

I'm a glass-etcher, but the vinyl won't stand the acids used for this purpose. The vinyl is used for the sandblasting of the glass.
The etching is done with acids. Kind of screenprinting with acids.

I wasn't sure about the etching with chemicals. I think a reverse etch might work, though, leaving only the design/letters/etc covered by the vinyl, and doing a vinegar etch.

I'm thinking about doing some sand blasting on wood scales, like you see on some tobacco pipes.

Originally Posted by c_kyle

I'm thinking about doing some sand blasting on wood scales, like you see on some tobacco pipes.

that should work just fine... If I ever get a nice blank blade I'll add a personalised sandblast drawing to it, should be cool.

I guess I wasn't too clear - I think I can do the etch part all right, I would like to be able to put the design back on after refinishing the blade. What I haven't figured out is how to get an exact copy of it on paper before I start sanding & polishing. I have tried the old engraver's tricks for duplicating designs, but these etches are too shallow to hold the transfer mediums. I'm thinking it would probably have to be photographic?..............Mike

Originally Posted by mikeyr

I'm thinking it would probably have to be photographic?

that would be the most accurate method I guess. Maybe the image will be a bit proportionaly disfigured because of the concave-ness (if that actually is a word) of the blade.

Originally Posted by mikeyr

... I'm thinking it would probably have to be photographic?..............Mike

Try scanning it. Then if it's a little distorted you could play with it in PhotoShop or whatever editing program you have access to.

I would try rubbing a pencil lead on the etch. Try to get a lot of graphite on it.

The rough area of the etch should hold graphite while it should blow/brush off of the smooth areas.

Then try making a rubbing on a piece of paper and fill it in by hand. It may take a couple of tries, but this way you can match the contours of the blade.

If the paper doesn't work, you may try an adhesive to get more of the graphite. A sticky note, or rubber cement on a piece of paper.

Also an alternative to the pencil you may try powdered graphite lubricant to get more on there.

Originally Posted by clrobert60

Try scanning it. Then if it's a little distorted you could play with it in PhotoShop or whatever editing program you have access to.

+1

Scan it. Should be close enough.