Hey guys, I'm new here and after browsing for a few hours I'm really loving the wealth of information provided.
I've been making jewellery and vessels for quite a while now and I'm interested in diversifying into knives and integrating steel into my jewellery. I've made hammers, stakes, and chasing tools but I haven't really done the sort of manipulating that is required in pattern welded steel.
Sorry about all the info there, onto my questions.
My first tests on pattern welded steel were done using "tool steel" I'm not sure what type of steel it is, that's what the supply company sold it to me as. So my first question is is it necessary to use steel with vastly different carbon content, such as mild steel and tool steel to create the best contrast?
Also, after defining the pattern and form, how should it be finished before etching? My first piece was annealed, then finished to a mirror finish on my buffing machine before I etched it and the etch wasn't nearly as good as I've seen before. Should I temper the steel before I etch it? I'm using 38% ferric chloride (because that's what I have at the shop).
Thanks for any help you can offer to a newbie.