*please read...I need help

So facts are this.
1075 steel
Heat treat failed first time, file bit in
Normalization x3
Re heat treat, went better I think.
After temper cycle it passed brass rod test.
Fished up everything and dunked in ferric Chloride.

Here’s the weird thing: Brad got black fast. Tang grey below the quench line. I thought the hardened steel was supposed to take longer and then softer Blaken quicker. How am I “backwards”?? Totally lost. Blade looks great, just scared I made a POS..😞😔☹️

[quote=Kyle Horn]So facts are this.
1075 steel
Heat treat failed first time, file bit in
Normalization x3
Re heat treat, went better I think.
After temper cycle it passed brass rod test.
Fished up everything and dunked in ferric Chloride.

Here’s the weird thing: Brad got black fast. Tang grey below the quench line. I thought the hardened steel was supposed to take longer and then softer Blaken quicker. How am I “backwards”?? Totally lost. Blade looks great, just scared I made a junk blade

What was your ferric mix?

50/50 water/ferric

The softer steel will turn gray, the harder steel will turn black.thats normal.

That's it, the stronger the acid mix the quicker it turns the hardened metal dark.
You're good to go I'd think.

Thanks so much guys. I saw pictures of hamons with light on edge and Dark on spine. Made me very nervous. Again thanks yall