So I've almost finished my first 2 knifes ever and I have a small finishing issue that I'm hoping some one can help me out with. They are both full tang, stock removal blades from old files. My issue is that I etched them in white vinegar, white worked out great but after I glued on the handles I end up sanding off the etching from around the handle while shaping/ finishing sanding it. I've managed to blend in the sanded tang to the etched blade so it still looks good, but I'm wondering how one avoids this problem? As a new one to knife making I'm a bit stumped? I'd like to try the gun blue/bleach finish on a knife so I'd like to figure out how to fully etch a blade with full tang and not sand it off when finishing the knife. Thanks Joel
I'm not sure you can really? I may be wrong but I usually mask off the handle and touch up etch with a Q-tip.
The only way it is really possible is to use removable handles scales. You would need to do all shaping and sanding with the scales bolted on, remove them, do your etch, and then re-attach. That's how most guys do it when they are using forced etch and want the tang to match.
