Does an FC etch help prevent rust?

BRad704

Well-Known Member
Some of you may be asking yourself this question lately. Fortunately I have had it all explained to me by an extremely knowledgeable knifemaker and all around great(ish) guy... LOL

Ferric Chloride is actually a salt, thus the Chloride... and it is also an oxidizer. What you are doing when you etch a blade in FC is actually controlling the surface rusting of the steel. By then sanding/buffing the outer layer of the rust away with something like steel wool, lubricated with WD40, you are in effect, leaving the lower layer of surface rust intact with some amount of oils from the WD left in it. You have just created a patina that will help protect the steel.

Did I get all that right Murph? :confused2:
 
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