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In this video Dan Berg shows step by step how to create detailed electro etching. Using self adhesive vinyl as the resist and a car battery charger this electro etching technique can be used to enhance a variety of metal working projects.

DIY Easy Crafts

The Complete Online Guide to Knife Making

METAL ETCHING

After the etching is complete we polished the knife blade with 1500 grit emery.  Please watch the short video posted above to see exactly how this full blade knife etching was accomplished. Remember safety first. 

Mix up a salt water solution. Approximately 2 tablespoons of salt per Liter of water. We used a 12-volt care battery charger to etch the blade. The positive cable was connected to the spine of the knife. We wrapped a small piece of gauze and clamped it onto the negative lead. Dip the gauze into the salt water and then ring it out. It should be moist but not soaking wet. Being very careful not to touch anything metal with your hands touch the gauze to the knife blade where you want the etching process to start. Time will vary depending on the material being etched. For this 1095 steel blade the gauze was held in place for about 15 seconds. Then move the gauze and repeat until the entire blade has been etched. For this blade we wanted a deep etch and repeated the etching process for an additional 15 seconds. Make sure only the damp gauze touches the blade. If the metal clamp touches it will arch and damage the steel.

Metal etching is a great way to enhance the blade or spine of almost any knife. The designs are limited only by your own artistic ability. Check out the examples of metal etched flames, waves and even a patriotic eagle.

Now you can easily enhance the quality of your metal etchings with precision machine cut vinyl stencils. Check out this short video to see how the Silhouette Cameo cutting machine can be used to create beautifully detailed stencils for metal etching.

How to easily etch a design onto any knife blade. Metal etching can be done in a variety of ways. We use a 12 volt automotive battery charger, salt water and a transparent film to quickly and easily create beautiful metal etched designs.

Advanced Electro Etching How to create functional Metal Art In this video Dan Berg shows step by step how he created this Deer in the Woods Chef knife blade etching. Using self adhesive vinyl as the resist and a car battery charger this electro etching technique can be used to enhance a variety of metal working projects. Dan creates two tone electro etching by layering vinyl resists and varying the etch time. He uses electro etching to enhance his hand made custom knives but the same process can be used on a variety of metal working projects.

Start by applying and cutting out clear transparent transfer sheet. We bought this at Michaels Art supply. Design the transparency to cover any areas that will not get etched. Protect the thin blade edge and spine with nail polish. Additional details like the spots can also be added with nail polish

How to do Two Tone Electro Metal Etching by Berg Knifemaking. In this short how-to video Dan Berg from DIYeasycrafts.com and BergKnifemaking.com demonstrates how the two tone etching was done on this custom chef knife. Dan used a car battery charger, self adhesive vinyl and an electrolyte solution to etch into the stainless steel blade.