Damascus blade so scratched up, Any idea how to restore it?

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baliodude

Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
219
Hi guys,

I have a custom Obi folder that has a very abused blade due to bad sharpening technique.

Any idea how to restore very scratched up damascus??
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It's easy, but depending on your confidence in your sanding technique and the value of the knife it may be wise to ask one of the knifemakers on this forum (or better yet the original maker) to do it for you. Basically you'll want to refinish the blade to satin using wet/dry sandpaper. Then etch the blade using ferric chloride or similar etchant. If the blade can be removed from the handle this is pretty straightforward, but if the blade is pinned into the rest of the knife and needs to be removed you'll need someone with the tools and skills to dissasemble/reassemble it.
 
Thanks Yoda,
How long do I leave it in the acid? Do I sand it, then dunk it then sand it? or what?
 
If you use ferric chloride it should only take a couple seconds, depending on the concentration. I like to use a 3:1 mix of water to FeCl. Best to dip for a few seconds, check, then dip again if you want a stronger etch. Just make sure you keep an eye on it. Ferric Chloride etchant at full strength can even eat through stainless steel. You can then go over it lightly with some steel wool or flitz polish to bring out the highlights.
 
To do it right, send it to a knifemaker specializing in refinishing folders. I'd email Tom Krein - he can set you right. :thumbup:

tomkrein @ cox-internet . com



This is not a good do-it-yourself project, unless you've done it before. You need the right kind of etchant....you need to suspend it for the proper amount of time...you'll need to neutralize it properly....and then finish it out on a belt grinder. And to make things more complicated, it's a folder, which means you have to take it apart and put it back together...and let's not forget that the etchant may end up affecting the action accidentally.

Not trying to be a pessimist...but you might end up with it being worse than just scratches.

Dan
 
I've reetched many folders without taking them apart.You can mix the solution in any type of container.Just clean it well and hold it in a few seconds at a time as suggested.No rocket science is involved.
 
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