Be sure the acid has been thoroughly neutralized and rinsed before touching any item it came into contact with. Apply baking soda to neutralize the acid.
Longer immersion will darken and remove more metal.
(Alternate method: apply acid to steel in small quantities using cotton swabs, rather than submerging the entire part.) Use a wire to lower the part into the acid, being careful NOT to touch the acid.This can also be used to paint stripes, lettering, or splatter designs on the blade - feel free to get creative. Apply resist substance such as nail polish or vaseline to coat any sensitive areas, namely the pivot point, detent, and lock face.Fill a glass jar with enough ferric chloride to cover the metal part.Even a single fingerprint will effect your acid etch, so be cautious. Disassemble your knife, and thoroughly clean and dry the part you're going to etch (blade, handle, or clip).
