etching - confused newbie

[tom hyle]

If you do any sharpening it's best to do it before the etch for a more even surface appearance and a possibly microserrated edge, or after the etch for a smooth, polished edge that will hold and will cut smoothly. I prefer an acid bath for a naked blade, if you can suspend it in there, preferably vertically, without the flats resting against anything that might leave a mark (what was that..."don't ask"....?). If you go with a wiped on etch, the trick is to keep the whole surface constantly and consistently wetted, and to not create a false grain affect with your wiping motion. Acid is tricky, and old alloys vary tremendously. Watch that stuff closely 'til you know it well, then you'll know to watch it closely ;D