barung, kris, gunong: my first post

Ian · 24th May 2017, 05:01 PM

PBH:

You will find a lot of discussion of etching blades on these pages. If you use the Search function there should be plenty of guidance.

In the original culture it would be common to use pineapple juice or lime juice to etch the blades, and both of these natural acids work well. White vinegar is also good. Many people also use ferric chloride which can be found at hardware stores in the U.S. but may be harder to find in the Philippines.

The nice thing about etching blades lightly is that you can polish them back to bright metal and start again if you don't like the finish. Just don't get the etchant on the more delicate materials on the hilts.

Good luck and please show us the results of your etching.

Ian.

24th May 2017, 05:01 PM	#9
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	PBH: You will find a lot of discussion of etching blades on these pages. If you use the Search function there should be plenty of guidance. In the original culture it would be common to use pineapple juice or lime juice to etch the blades, and both of these natural acids work well. White vinegar is also good. Many people also use ferric chloride which can be found at hardware stores in the U.S. but may be harder to find in the Philippines. The nice thing about etching blades lightly is that you can polish them back to bright metal and start again if you don't like the finish. Just don't get the etchant on the more delicate materials on the hilts. Good luck and please show us the results of your etching. Ian.