T'boli tok extreme contrast blade

[Ian]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Is there a way to soften the ferric chloride etch without starting over with a new etch?

Interesting comments on the scabbard. I plan to stitch on a piece from a t'nalak that I received from another member here around the plain wooden strip for display purposes.

One other feature that is curious and having not handled another tok is the thin blade. It has a strong distal taper from a little over 5mm to a little over 2mm which seems too light to function as a chopping tool. Are these typically designed for weapon use only?

For the etch, you might try light sanding with a very fine grit paper ("wet and dry") and perhaps a light oil for lubrication. This can sometimes remove a small amount of the etch and leave a decent finish. Otherwise, you would need to sand it back, repolish with a fine grit paper, and re-etch it. Vinegar or lemon juice might give a better etch than ferric chloride solution.

As far as blade thickness, tok are usually a bit thicker than the dimensions you provided. They are all purpose instruments used for chopping, etc. as well as self defense. Your example may be more for show or status, although it's definitely a functional sword and no doubt a capable weapon.

[David R]

I would try wire wool with oil to reduce the contrast ad remove excess oxide.