DaveReb
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 1,499
I recently got a Damascus Leek in trade off the board. It was supposedly a Proto-type given out for testing to a well known forum member, so the blade was unmarked, except for a very tiny hole. When I recieved the knife the blade finish was quite dull, I was told the first blades were only dipped once instead of twice like the current knives, so the etching was pretty faded. The condition of the rest of the knife was perfect and I was very happy with the trade. Of course I couldn't leave well enough alone so I proceeded to do some research on how to re-etch a Damascus blade. I posted here as a matter of fact, and was told to use Radio Shack Etchant fluid. After trying all the local Radio Shacks in the area...I found out the item was discontinued and no store in the district carried it. The next alternative I found was using vinegar. So following the directions I warmed the vinegar on a hot plate and set the blade in the solutuin. While the blade was soaking I got involved in another project and I lost track of time forgot to check the blade. I remembered about 20-25 minutes later and by that time the blade was dark black . I pulled the knife out of the vinegar and rinsed it off, then wiped the residue off with some WD-40. While the blade did etch...it also etched the layers in a 3D pattern. The blade was no longer smooth but had a textured finish! Now what
I ended up cleaning off all the black and polishing the blade, which gives it silvery two-tone appearance. I also had considerable work on the pivot area of the blade, since the ball detent rode on the textures, it was pretty rough opening and closing it. Once I got the contact area's all smoothed out I at least have a functioning knife now. All in all the knife still works although I do have some slight vertical play, which I don't recall having prior to the etching.
Anyways I just want to post this info in case anyone else is planning to re-etch their Damascus blades, pay close attention to time, so you don't overdue it, and ruin your blade like I did. Lesson learned..let someone who know's what the hell their doing re-etch my blade!
Dave
I ended up cleaning off all the black and polishing the blade, which gives it silvery two-tone appearance. I also had considerable work on the pivot area of the blade, since the ball detent rode on the textures, it was pretty rough opening and closing it. Once I got the contact area's all smoothed out I at least have a functioning knife now. All in all the knife still works although I do have some slight vertical play, which I don't recall having prior to the etching.
Anyways I just want to post this info in case anyone else is planning to re-etch their Damascus blades, pay close attention to time, so you don't overdue it, and ruin your blade like I did. Lesson learned..let someone who know's what the hell their doing re-etch my blade!
Dave
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