Discussion on frosting on etched blades

[ibrahim ahmad]

Hello everyone,

As a new collector in etched blades, I would like to ask some of you some questions with regards to frosting on etched blades.
Ive used the search engine on the forum as well as read several reference books but it appears to presuppose that the reader already knows about frosting.

My questions are:-

1) What is the exact definition on frosting ? Is it a compound made by the etched makers ? Or is similar to a frosting that occurs to an EK , a layer formed after several years?
2) Can frosting be reproduced in etched blades ?
3) When a etched blade has its frosted parts polished and remove, can the frosting occur again ?
4) What is the best way to maintain a frosted etched blade ? Some say use Sudsy Ammonia , Semichrome, etc.
5) If I have a dark spot on a frosted etched blade, is it still possible to remove it without damaging the frosting ?
6) Can a blued etched piece have any frosting on it ?

Shown below are 3 examples of etched blades which is fully frosted, has its frosting removed, and a blued etched piece. ( Pictures courtesy of Craig Gottlieb )








My sincere apologies if my questions are really dumb but I do thank you in advance for any answers given.

Cheers,
Ibrahim,
Singapore.

[GaryMJ]

The frosting is a natural result of the acid etch process. The etch leaves a matt finish in contrast to the polished blade, so when plated, the contrast gives a frosted appearance. For this reason, never use any abrasive polish, even semichrome, as it will brighten the matt area. Rather use the sudsy amonia, it should have no bad effect on the etched panel. I don't know of any way to remove blemishes from the matt "frosted" area without leaving polish marks, maybe someone else has a solution. If it were me, I'd probably leave it alone...

Red