D2 for a Filet

[Shannon Hooge]

Hi all,
I have a friend who would like me to make a filet knife and etch his name into it. I know that this won't work on a stainless blade (unless i can laser etch) so my thoughts are running toward D2 or another stain resistant alloy. What is your experience or opinion regarding this? Will it work as a filet knife or is moisture still an issue here? Thanks in advance

Shannon

[Jerry Hossom]

I've etched stainless, it just takes longer. The patterns were etched in the 154CM blades.

[Shannon Hooge]

Wow, those are great knives! The etch looks great. I'll give it a try. Did you mix up your own or buy some premade? I think I might try to make some aqua regia (Jim Hrisoulas has a formulation in his first book.) Thanks a lot!

Shannon

[Jerry Hossom]

I used Ferric Chloride (Radio Shack Circuit Board Etchant) diluted 1:1 in water. I think those etched for 30 minutes. I used artists Universal Ground as a resist. You can use finger nail polish, then scribe your text through the polish.

Aqua Regia is VERY bad stuff.

[shgeo]

I like D2 very much and don't have a problem here in a dry climate with rust, but a fillet knife in a humid climate would require care.

I mix the Radio Shack etchant with vinegar and it etches stainless very well. Usually it will only take about 5 - 10 minutes. The vinegar adds acid to the mix.

For some SS like Damasteel, the manufacturer specifies stronger acid and I use Muriatic for that. Be very careful with this stuff. It is .375 N hydrochloric acid and will burn you fast.

If you have the money, electroetch machines start about $100.00 and work very well on everything.

[Nowicki]

D2 makes an excelent filet knife, if you like sharp ones. When done right it will stay sharp a long while.If you are not acustomed to sharp you will cut through bone a couple of times. It is a little stiff but once you get the hang if it it gives better control. Needs a little care, especially arround salt water.
Enjoy!