how would you mark a pattern into a stainless steel blade?

Answer 1

Just a guess- I would try an engraving tool.

Answer 2

I wouldn't, because I won't risk the integrity of my blade. I may not get killed by my sparring partners, but I like my fingers, and want them right where they are, thank you.

But if you really want to do it, or it's a decorative sword anyway, dude is right about the wax and acid. Be sure you scratch the design in first, so the acid will set up the design nicely, and mind your hands. That stuff sucks. You can heat the blade to make the wax melt off, or just scrape it, though mind you don't scratch the blade if you do. You can get acid etching kits just about anywhere online, but you need one for steel; most are for glass, and won't do you much good. There are also do-it-yourself ways, but I don't recommend it when using any sort of caustic. The fumes alone can kill you in the right proportions.

Answer 3

acid etching is the easiest way to mark a stainless steel blade or you could try sloppy clay and a blow torch, the clay absorbs the heat leaving a different colour tarnish to the clayless part of the blade when polished, takes a lot of practice, this is how the hamon edge (watermark) is applied to a katana.

Answer 4

I used to work at a restaurant that had a stainless dishwasher that got water marks. We used a little bit of WD40 and a soft cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Answer 5

Simplest method is to use a nail and hammer it to make patterns with the dimples. That won't work with thin blades though, your best bet is a proper engraving tool. (The blade may rust after you damage the surface.)

Answer 6

Electro-Ethching
http://www.warnerknives.com/electro-etcher.htm

Answer 7

Coat the blade with wax (melted candle wax will do fine) then, using a fine point, scratch the pattern you want. Wipe the blade with acid (mind your skin) and leave it to etch. Wash off carefully and then melt the wax off.

Answer 8

There are etching kits available from places like brownells a gunsmith supply house. With this you could do it yourself. Maybe in your area there is an industrial laser place that would take on small jobs. Engraving could be done but is very tough to do on hard metals.

Answer 9

heat the blade on a pan ...let it become hot and then carefully use a screwdriver or some hard sharp thing to make an impression.

Answer 10

Laser etching. That or a dremel tool with a diamond bit, but you better be real careful cuz it is really easy to mess that up. I usually pay someone to do it for me.