Etch keris using Nital?

Newsteel · 30th October 2006, 06:21 AM

Probably, more have discussed about keris etching using lime, coconut water and warangan (arsenic solution). But have anyone try etching keris using Nital solution? Would it produce similar or near dark finishing?

David · 30th October 2006, 05:58 PM

Hi Newsteel. If you search both the present and old forum you will no doubt come across many threads that discuss not only the traditional warangan method of staining keris blades and many alternative methods as well. I did a search on nital and unfortunately i could not find any before and after examples of metals to see how they react. I will say that it is my general understanding that no other method of keris staining will give you what is traditionally considered to be the correct color of staining that arsenic and lime give. It should also be kept in mind that many commercial etchants are a might bit stronger that fruit acids and damage to your blade from a too powerful acid would be irreversible. Also keep in mind that these modern etchants are designed for new steel (like your name) and that the degree of etch might end up being more servere on an old 18th or 19th century blade that has already gone through years of erosion from etching and wear. My advice would be to stick to traditional methods. They have, afterall, worked well for centuries. If you have trouble obtaining arsenic, or don't care to work with the stuff, you can probably find someone to do it for you. Since you live in Malaysia that shouldn't be a problem.

Newsteel · 31st October 2006, 12:30 AM

Thank you for your kind advice David.
Yup, me too did a search on Nital and apparently this is an etchant used on carbon steel, primarily for carbon steel microstructure examination. It can stain carbon steel but like you've said, this work best for new steel material. I guess nothing beats the old tradition warangan method.

30th October 2006, 06:21 AM	#1
Newsteel Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 132	Etch keris using Nital? Probably, more have discussed about keris etching using lime, coconut water and warangan (arsenic solution). But have anyone try etching keris using Nital solution? Would it produce similar or near dark finishing?

30th October 2006, 05:58 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,084	Hi Newsteel. If you search both the present and old forum you will no doubt come across many threads that discuss not only the traditional warangan method of staining keris blades and many alternative methods as well. I did a search on nital and unfortunately i could not find any before and after examples of metals to see how they react. I will say that it is my general understanding that no other method of keris staining will give you what is traditionally considered to be the correct color of staining that arsenic and lime give. It should also be kept in mind that many commercial etchants are a might bit stronger that fruit acids and damage to your blade from a too powerful acid would be irreversible. Also keep in mind that these modern etchants are designed for new steel (like your name) and that the degree of etch might end up being more servere on an old 18th or 19th century blade that has already gone through years of erosion from etching and wear. My advice would be to stick to traditional methods. They have, afterall, worked well for centuries. If you have trouble obtaining arsenic, or don't care to work with the stuff, you can probably find someone to do it for you. Since you live in Malaysia that shouldn't be a problem.

31st October 2006, 12:30 AM	#3
Newsteel Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 132	Thank you for your kind advice David. Yup, me too did a search on Nital and apparently this is an etchant used on carbon steel, primarily for carbon steel microstructure examination. It can stain carbon steel but like you've said, this work best for new steel material. I guess nothing beats the old tradition warangan method.