Damascus etching question.

I

irbailey

Joined
May 11, 2008
Messages
710
This might well be a stupid question with an obvious answer, but I'm wondering if anyone would be kind enough to give me some advice about etching a full tang damascus blade?

I've got a small piece of 1095/15N20 damascus which I intend to make a Loveless style City knife with.

I'm wondering what the best method is for etching a full tang. I've done a couple of bits of damascus and a stainless laminate on narrow tangs before by painting a bit of clear nail varnish around the guard before dipping in Ferric, but I'm a little confused about doing a full tang.

Do you make and dry fit the scales and liners, remove, etch, then attach them?...or is it possible to fit the handle first, protect it somehow and then etch?

In case it makes a difference, I'll be using ebony with fibre liners and 304 stainless bolsters on the knife.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Ian
 
Ian,Etch the finished blade to your liking before doing anything with the scales.Then just wrap and or tape the blade to protect it during the handle process.Its difficult to etch or even touch up after the scales are on and finished.At least thats been my experience.
 
With what you are using, I would begin by dryfittng the blade, bolsters and handle materials. Then I would finish the bolsters and attach them to the blade. Fingernail polish on the bolsters. I use bright red so I know I havenot missed any spots. Etch the blade. Epoxy and assemble your handle. Final shape and polish your handle. If you polish off the etch on the tang, and you probably will, tape off the handle using the green frong tape for painting trim and then use a q-tip to re apply you etchant to the tang. Heating your etchant will make this touch up process go faster. Put a little in a bowl and warm it in the microwave, just don't let your wife catch you.
This is just one way, I am sure others with more experience will chime in with their techniques.
Good luck, Kevin
 
Thanks fellas, I appreciate it.

I guessed that etch then fit would be the way to go....I just wasn't sure if there was some other way which might be easier that I'd not thought of...as is quite often the case!

Cheers,

Ian
 
Eyeeatingfish... no, not a stupid question as I never actually said it....but yes, I intend to etch the tang as well. :)

Ian
 
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