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How to pit and darken a 420J stainless steel sword?

May 4, 2010

Hi-

I was wondering what methods and/or chemical formulae there are for heavily pitting 420J stainless steel.

I am trying to duplicate the corroded finish of this particular sword blade, which is made from a high carbon spring steel (I don't know exactly what grade).

I have tried using battery acid grade H2SO4 left on for 3 hours at room temperature to pit the blade, but this has only slightly etched and cleaned the blade surface.

I looking forward to hearing your suggestions, and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks so much,

James McGonigle
Hobbyist - York, Pennsylvania, United States

Try electrolytic etching -- object must be connected to + pole of rectifier or car battery; as electrolyte you can use diluted hydrochloric acid or kitchen salt solution, or even sea water. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
May 19, 2010

Try Printed Circuit Board Etchant [affil link] solution, available at most electronics stores or online. It's a strong solution of ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] , and is very corrosive to many metals.

John Culp
- Bristol, Tennessee, USA
September 30, 2010

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