So if my handle wasn't hardened it won't take the same etch? That would make perfect sense. When I quenched the blade, the end of of the handle was not fully submerged in the quench. That would explain why the top of the handle was dark, but as it worked its way towards the bottom of the handle the blade would be softer. I hand sanded the whole thing sufficiently to the point where no decarb should have been present on the entire blade.
I also made sure to where rubber gloves from the time I started wiping it down till I had it submerged in the PCB.
I guess I'll take it back down to bare metal on this on, and try something a little different on the next. Thanks for your help!
-Aaron
I also made sure to where rubber gloves from the time I started wiping it down till I had it submerged in the PCB.
I guess I'll take it back down to bare metal on this on, and try something a little different on the next. Thanks for your help!
-Aaron