Damascus Bolsters

[Mike Mossington]

When using damascus for bolsters - either carbon or stainless (Damasteel) - is it necessary to heat treat the bolster material in order to get the same finished etch as the blade? Or does it matter?

Mike

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Yes, if you would like them both to etch the same way and look the same when the knife is finished you need to heat treat them.

 

[Ed Schempp]

Annealed steel has face centered crystalline structure. Hardened steel has a body centered crystalline structure. In annealed steel the etching attacks the steel in layers of crystals effected. In hardened steel it reacts with corners of pyramidal crystals leaving a much more topographical 3D surface. Annealed etched steel has about a 30 degree viewing angle. Martensitic steel has about 160 degree of viewing angle...Take Care...Ed

 

[deker]

Yeah...what Ed said.....

-d

 

[Mike Mossington]

Striper28 answered my question. Ed Schempp did also, but in a whole different dimension. Wow. Changes the way I will look at damascus in future - mostly at 30 degrees. Thanks both.

Like Deker said......