u/Basic_Chest_400

​Hi everyone, ​I'm looking for advice on etching a stainless Damascus blade. The blade has a VG10 core and outer layers made of 440C and 440B. ​I initially wanted to use Baker Forge’s Gator Piss, but they don’t ship to South Korea. Due to local regulations, I can only get 38% Ferric Chloride and 10% Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid). ​I have two questions regarding the mix: ​Would a simple mix of Ferric Chloride and Distilled Water at a 1:3 ratio be enough to get a clean, high-contrast pattern on these stainless steels? ​Or should I go with a stronger mix of 1 part Ferric Chloride to 2 parts 10% Hydrochloric Acid? ​If I use the Hydrochloric acid mix, what temperature should I maintain to get the best results without damaging the VG10 core? Any tips from experienced makers would be greatly appreciated!

Took 6 hours.

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