Early forged stump anvil: Instantly etch wrought iron or damascus steel

By preheating wrought iron or damascus steel to between 350 and 600 degrees and quenching into an etchant, the pattern will immediately show up. You can also heat to 250 or 300 for heat treated pieces, but it will take 2 or more quenches to get the etch deep enough. I'm using 7 molar hydrochloric acid. It should go without saying these are nasty fumes and you want to at least have a good cross breeze going and try no to breathe when removing the piece from the tank.

[thetradesman]

Looks like wrought. Looks damn good except that big ass crack down the side. Might have been working the material a little too cold.

[templaboom]

just tried with phos acid, works a treat, cheers

[caveofskarzs]

Wow. Now isn't that the coolest thing? I'm liable to do that for myself sometime.

[JustinTopp]

With Damascus you shouldn’t do this. This gives you a good look but it will have a much nicer finish with a cold slower etch