Cable damascus question?

[countrystrong]

Hi, I have 20 feet of cable thats got a pretty good amount of rust on it can it still be made into cable damascus even though the cable is really rusted up?

 

[69_knives]

A 30% muriatic acid solution will get rid of the rust in half a day or less. Check on it every once in a while, the movement will get fresh acid in between the strands.

 

[Salem Straub]

I've made cable mascus with rusted stuff with good success before- sometimes I'd soak the billet in kerosene overnight before welding, seemed to help. I did have flaws that I could only trace to dirty materials several times though, enough to make me swear off using old cable. Just new for me, from now on. If you are just having fun, not trying to pay the bills with knife making, old cable is fine to play with.

 

[69_knives]

I should also note - do not use muriatic acid inside your house, the fumes will etch stainless steel.