A vinegar bug in my head!!!!

Lew · 25th June 2006, 11:36 AM

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

Flavio · 25th June 2006, 02:06 PM

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!

Lew · 25th June 2006, 02:52 PM

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

katana · 25th June 2006, 06:23 PM

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?

Rick · 25th June 2006, 06:51 PM

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 .

Flavio · 25th June 2006, 06:57 PM

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).

katana · 25th June 2006, 07:07 PM

Thankyou Rick and Flavio, nice piece..

BSMStar · 27th June 2006, 01:13 PM

I have to caution you Flavio, that putting vinegar on everything is how I got addicted to fish and chip… and pickles.

25th June 2006, 06:51 PM	#5
Rick 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 .

25th June 2006, 06:57 PM	#6
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	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). Attached Images

25th June 2006, 11:36 AM	#1
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	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

25th June 2006, 02:06 PM	#2
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	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!

25th June 2006, 02:52 PM	#3
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	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

25th June 2006, 06:23 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	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?

25th June 2006, 07:07 PM	#7
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thankyou Rick and Flavio, nice piece..

27th June 2006, 01:13 PM	#8
BSMStar Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 312	I have to caution you Flavio, that putting vinegar on everything is how I got addicted to fish and chip… and pickles.