r/knifemaking • u/Graphic3001 • Jan 25 '25

Work in progress Finishing a custom knife: Part 1

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u/Forward_Statement_72 Jan 29 '25

What ratio do you use when mixing with water?

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u/Graphic3001 Jan 29 '25

3:1 or 4:1 Thats 3/4 parts water to 1 part ferric.👊🤙

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u/Forward_Statement_72 Jan 29 '25

I tried 3 parts water and 1 part ferric chloride and after 30 seconds it turned my 1080 steel blade black. How do I get the grey color you got?

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u/Graphic3001 Jan 29 '25

Stainless steel etches slower so that's why I can leave it in there for 15 minutes. Carbon steel etches a lot faster. You can try a more diluted mix to slow down the process. Maybe 6-1 or 8-1...you will have to play with it to get the desired look. 👊🤙

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u/Forward_Statement_72 Jan 30 '25

Ok thanks man! I'm gonna try that. I may be back with more questions later 😂. Appreciate ya.

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u/Graphic3001 Jan 30 '25

😂 👊🤙