Damascus etching question

Bruce Evans

Bruce Evans

Joined
Sep 26, 1999
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I have been wondering lately about Damascus finish....I need a collecters opinion here.But would like to hear other makers thoughts about this also...Does Damscus have to be etched?

I have been wondering as I have a knife ready to finish out and kind of like the polished Damascus look.Hand rubbed to 2000 grit then hand polished with notebook paper....

So what do you guys think,does Damascus always have to be etched?
Thanks for any comments you can give.
Bruce
 
Great question!

I think it's expected to be etched, but you're right! It can look great un-etched--especially carbon damascus with real strong pattern (The stainless stuff I've messed with is pretty bland polished out.)

The one thing I'd be concerned about on an un-etched carbon damascus is getting a blotchy effect developing as the steel reacts to regular handling and use.
It might be disappointing to a customer.
I suspect the etched surface would require less maintenance because it already has an oxide layer in place. --just a thought.
 
I think you can really show that your welds are perfect if it is left unetched but on the same note people cant take in the full effect of the pattern. A weak ferric cloride dip or a vinager soak shouldnt remove metal so you can still polish it out and see the beauty of the pattern and different steels. I did this on my MS dagger but went ahead and gun blued the blade to show off the nickel content.
 
Bruce I like to use blue to show off a good nickel pattern. I have also used heat. If the bade is well polished and then hit with some heat you can bring out the pattern also. Just keep it down on the edge for users
 
Thanks,great thoughts.
This blade is just a random pattern but will look great when etched,I was just kind of wanting a polished blade on this knife now that I have the handle ready to put on.

This is a question I have had for a few years now just never asked.It is kind of like the oriental swords that are folded multiple times and they only polish and lightly etch to show the hamon line not the pattern in the steel,I was just wanting to do something a little different than normal if you know what I mean.

Thanks again,
Bruce
 
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