Etching metal is a technique used to decorate a surface, usually metal, by using a corrosive agent (usually some form of acid) to eat away at more easily corroded metals or along etching points made by the person doing the etching.
It dates back to the Middle Ages when goldsmiths and metalworkers used etching to decorate items such as guns, knives, cups, plates, shields and even some forms of decorative armour.
Eventually, the skills used to etch metal were applied to print-making and today several iron and copper plates with Medieval writings still exist in museums in Europe.
Today, we use etching for much of the same purposes. Many people use the technique to decorate steel knife blades, and factory-etched knives are some of the most popular on the market. You can also use the knife etching method on Damascus knife blades as you'll see on the next page.
The video after the break you how you can etch your knife blades at home and create amazing looking designs on your knives.
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Etching does not make a Damascus blade…only a fake blade.I’ve already been seeing these sold as Damascus to unknowing buyers.
Kyle Mowry Sarah Mowry this is so cool!
Daniel Forbes
You can easily scratch or buff this fake treatment. This not how you make Damascus.
This is real damascus steel he’s trying different etching acids. Fericloride and vinegar mixed works best for my damascus steel. I think he’s sanding/polishing the metal to much after acid treatment!