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|  25th June 2006, 05:28 AM | #1 | |
| Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA 
					Posts: 1,725
				 |   Quote: 
 I post on the board where that very picture was photochopped into existence, Rick! Amazing how things travel around the web.   | |
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|  25th June 2006, 10:05 AM | #2 | 
| Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia 
					Posts: 1,243
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			Thank you very much for your sensibility Steve (maybe they will lock up us in the same unit of mental health!!!!    ), but to return seroius for a wile (it's hard, it's very hard!!!) no one have never try to etch an african blade? The african blades aren't laminated, but maybe there are some differences in the hardness of the edge. | 
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|  25th June 2006, 11:36 AM | #3 | 
| (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA 
					Posts: 3,191
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			No one have never try to etch an african blade? The african blades aren't laminated, but maybe there are some differences in the hardness of the edge.[/QUOTE] Flavio I have seen African blades that seem to be laminated but I think these blades were forged from wrought iron so they look like folded steel blades. Lew | 
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|  25th June 2006, 02:06 PM | #4 | 
| Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia 
					Posts: 1,243
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			Lew, you are right i also see many african blades with some folds due to the shape of the blade. Do you think that i can try on one of my weapons or is an hazard? maybe on a blade that is clearly functional i can find some surprise! | 
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|  25th June 2006, 02:52 PM | #5 | 
| (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA 
					Posts: 3,191
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			Flavio A vinegar etch should not harm an African blade but you should try doing it to a small area say the tip of the blade to see what happens. Usually an old Congo blade that looks forged may be a good start. Lew | 
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|  25th June 2006, 06:23 PM | #6 | 
| Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent 
					Posts: 2,658
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			Would someone please explain the best way to vinegar etch a blade? Is a lemon Juice etch... a milder etch? (the Kris boys mention it occationally) Or stronger?
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|  25th June 2006, 06:51 PM | #7 | 
| Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 
					Posts: 6,376
				 |  Last Post In This Thread 
			
			http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2641 It may be just me but I recall Lemon bringing out a browner tone than Lime . | 
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|  25th June 2006, 06:57 PM | #8 | 
| Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia 
					Posts: 1,243
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			Oooppsssss, i did it again, i play with your heart.....No, no stop!!!!!!  Here is another example: a salawar. Unfortunatly the very edge is quite pitted but anyway the result is nice  . I decide to stop also about african blade: I have rethought to the many pictures of the beginning of last century that shows many warriors of Central Africa with theirs shining swords and so i have decided to leave my african pieces as they are. Katana, i think that the etching with vinegar is a gentle way, especially if you use the vinegar diluted with water (proportion 1 liter of vinegar : 2 of water) and cold (the process is faster if you heat the water). | 
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