Thread: Question

Is there an easy way to re-etch a blade
I have been using ferric chloride however this gives a Grey finish and gun blue seems to be too black
any suggestions for a hapy medium
kind regards Peter

Peter,

I don't have an answer just some ideas for experimentation.

I would try different types of metal oxidizers available at jewellery suppliers. Most will have an effect on carbon steel. I just tried some copper/brass black oxidizer and it oxidized a scrap blade is seconds.

You can try to reduce the darkness by diluting the oxidizer with some de-ionized water. It will weaken it giving you more time to stop the process when you reach the desired shade.

I would also try some of the etching electrolytes (used for marking metal) with low voltage ac on the blade. Varying the voltage and duration of applying it can give an easy control for the density of oxidation. Most etching electrolytes are very slow to oxidize without any current. So you can just apply the voltage and see if the color is right then reapply it to get a darker shade.

There is a company in Conitticut that laser etches blades.you can send him a pattern ,or old blade,and he will keep them on file for you.I have sent him blades to do for me before.he has the pattern for the Wade and Butcher,"Celebrated",and the "You lather well",and "Fine India"as well as several others He charges 6.00 Per razor after a 35.00 one time setup,they look as good as original and you can have them etched as deep as you want.this price also includes the tang trademark etch. If you are interested in having a few done let me know and we can combine our order to reduce the setup charge.I have around 8 ready to send ,but usually wait till I have 10 or 12 to send.Let me know if your interested
Best Regards Gary(Skeetshooter978)

Hell, I'm interested!!

Do you have any already done? I'd like to see the work.
Perhaps on the next time around.

Connecticut is not that far from my neck of the woods!!

C utz

Peter, I don't have the answer for your question.

But I have one advice for you. In the future, you might make the post title a little more post-related, for example, "Is there an easy way to re-etch a blade". It would make the guys who know the answer to look, and the rest who don't want to read that post easier to avoid it.

Nenad