wrought iron guard etching

[Travis Fry]

So, I'm about to get some wrought iron for guards and such, and I'm wondering how one etches the wrought, specifically for a guard, and then shapes the handle so that it all fits together without removing what you've etched? Is there any way to do this without basically making a takedown?

 

[Indian George]

So, I'm about to get some wrought iron for guards and such, and I'm wondering how one etches the wrought, specifically for a guard, and then shapes the handle so that it all fits together without removing what you've etched? Is there any way to do this without basically making a takedown?

I use the ferric acid soak it for a few minutes, rise it with baking soda and water, clean with acetone and I bead blast it. I continue to do this until the desired finish is obtained.