Damascus questions......

[Hagar]

OK... this is my first attempt at working with Damascus.
What grit do I sand to before etching the blade?
What do I etch the blade with?
any other tips appreciated.
Thanks

------------------
There is no such thing as "good enough", either your work is good or it is not. How is your work?
SGT BLADES www.therockies.com/hagar/

 

[Kisu]

Hello Hagar,


I would sand the piece to either 400 or preferably to 600 grit, making sure that the scratches from the previous grits are gone. The stuff to etch it in is ;3 parts water to 1 part Archer Etchant which can be bought at any Radio Shack or equivalent. I hope this helps.

------------------
KSwinamer

Atheism....A non-prophet organization

 

[Osbourn]

According to Engnath, Heinz 57 apple cider vinegar at around 150 degrees works great as an etchant. I've used it for showing temperlines, and it works great. Whatever you use, just remember, if it's not aggressive enough, try heating it a few degrees. Acids get hungry when they're hot.

------------------
Oz

"This is your life, and it's ending; One minute at a time."
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/

 

[Hagar]

I have already sanded it to 1500 grit.
LOL I guess that should be good.
Thanks

------------------
There is no such thing as "good enough", either your work is good or it is not. How is your work?
SGT BLADES www.therockies.com/hagar/

 

[Ellis]

Dave Ellis, ABS, Mastersmith here. I also sand to 400 grit than acetone the blade to remove all oils,etc. I use a series of shorter etches (maybe 2 to 3 minutes each) between etches I neutralize in TSP mixed with water (the base for Archer etchant) and wipe blade with 0000 steel wool, than back in the acid for another etch until desired depth is reached. After neutralizing I again acetone and coat blade with a good quality cold gunblue ( I use Oxpho blue from Brownells)Nice look and a good rust inhibitor.Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Dave Ellis, ABS, M.S. http://www.mastersmith.com

------------------