This is a post I put up on the 'Newbie Forum. Robert Hersarling suggested I put it up here.

"I've got some L-6 & O-1 for a damascus billet. I figure the L-6 will be very light colored and the O-1 pretty dark. I need more steel to make up a decent sized billet and would like to use a steel that will both work with these two (forge, HT, & Temper) and be inbetween them for color. Would someone tell me what steels I could use, please?"

Mike Krall

Nickel adds a nice contrast to a billet.

Carbon and manganese between them would be 1080,1084,1085, or 1086 and color wise
between them would be the same steels!
Oh ya IMHO.
Happy Forging KCC

George and Kelly,

Thank you both... I appreciate your help.

Mike Krall

Edit:

I woke up with a question... whether I understand what causes color difference of steels when etched. What I believe (as opposed to, know) is the color relates to Manganese content... more Mn, darker when etched.

Kelly,

If I'm reading you correctly, you are saying Carbon effects also? Which element is more influential? Are there other etched color factors?

MK

i'ved used 01 , 5160 and 15n20 - it came out bright . wouldn't the L6 fit right in there ? kelly , please go into a bit more detail - this slow thinking boy don't catch on too fast . mike , i don't think the 01 would be dark - but knowing me , i could be wrong . 01 has chrome , the L6 chrome and nickel . when i've used 01 and 1084 , i believe the 01 is what shows up bright . JMHO - paul

If you want shiney- look at the nickel content of the alloy. If you want shades of gray- look at the chromium content. If you want dark- look at the manganese content. The more Mn, the darker it will etch.

... well depending upon the other elements present ... and depending upon your etchant mix ...or depending upon the temperature of the etch, the heat threatment of the steel, the surface preperation...etc... ;)

... well depending upon the other elements present ... and depending upon your etchant mix ...or depending upon the temperature of the etch, the heat threatment of the steel, the surface preperation...etc... ;)

Kevin,

If you've got the interest, I'd sit still and listen to what some of the variations mentioned cause in etched colors.

Mike Krall