Albanian Jambiya/Khanjar Wootz?

Henk · 27th July 2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Really though, we don't own these pieces of history; we are the temporary custodians who have a responsibility preserve these weapons for future generations .

Yes Rick, I fully agree with you.

On the other hand Josh and Atlantia do have a point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh stout

I would love to see a thread just on etching. I know the topic is often discussed and most people know the basics, but many questions remain.

Shouldn't we better answer the remaining questions? That would be at least an attempt to avoid seriously damage to historical pieces.
Better tell the dangers about toxicity and the risk of destroying a marvelous piece when you use the etching materials wrong.

As Atlantia said, better explain clearly how to etch with vinegar. Describe the process.

I know from experience that there are a lot of knitwits

who think they just can do those things in an attempt to make their merchandise more valuable. For example those who use a grinder to clean a blade. I wouldn't like to feed those who think they can etch.

ward · 27th July 2008, 08:27 PM

Hand sand the piece starting with 400 grit down to 1500 to 4000 grit.Do not destroy the contours of the piece the finer the polish the better the etch. clean the piece some use windex others alcohol others soap and water cleaning the soap off completly. use a clean brush with running water nearby. pick the acid or salt you are going to use. Mild ones include vinegar,ketchup,worteshire sauce,urine,alum,soy sauce anything with a acid base or salt base add a touch of soap to it. warm the solution and paint it on the piece using long strokes continuously. Rinse the piece under running water ever few minutes. After completing the pattern to the point you wish completly rinse all solution off. Many use a baking soda mix to neutralize. waxing will protect the piece
WARNINGS- these solutions will also eat and destroy silver copper brass cloth any wood finishes,cloth leather.
Some of these will burn your skin badly especially strong vinigar and will stain clothing.

I really am not comfortable in discussing how to use more potent acids to easy to screw up and do serious damage to yourself and the piece.

Ferric Chloride should be diluted down to the color of urine or lighter.

This is one method among others including immersion and heat etching

Atlantia · 27th July 2008, 08:39 PM

When using stronger chemicals, has anyone tried using 'wallpaper paste' or something else to jellify the mixture to provide a thick coat?

27th July 2008, 08:27 PM	#2
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	Hand sand the piece starting with 400 grit down to 1500 to 4000 grit.Do not destroy the contours of the piece the finer the polish the better the etch. clean the piece some use windex others alcohol others soap and water cleaning the soap off completly. use a clean brush with running water nearby. pick the acid or salt you are going to use. Mild ones include vinegar,ketchup,worteshire sauce,urine,alum,soy sauce anything with a acid base or salt base add a touch of soap to it. warm the solution and paint it on the piece using long strokes continuously. Rinse the piece under running water ever few minutes. After completing the pattern to the point you wish completly rinse all solution off. Many use a baking soda mix to neutralize. waxing will protect the piece WARNINGS- these solutions will also eat and destroy silver copper brass cloth any wood finishes,cloth leather. Some of these will burn your skin badly especially strong vinigar and will stain clothing. I really am not comfortable in discussing how to use more potent acids to easy to screw up and do serious damage to yourself and the piece. Ferric Chloride should be diluted down to the color of urine or lighter. This is one method among others including immersion and heat etching

27th July 2008, 08:39 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	When using stronger chemicals, has anyone tried using 'wallpaper paste' or something else to jellify the mixture to provide a thick coat?