Damascus stock removal questions

Phil705

Phil705

Basic Member
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Aug 23, 2007
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My old drill sergeant said that the only dumb question is the one you don't ask, so here goes. I bought a bar of AEBL/304 at a knife show. It is 3/32" thick and has a nice etch, if that's the right word. I think I can get two hidden tang knives out of it, but this is my first experience with Damascus. The questions:

1. Is the surface pattern only on the surface or does it extend through the steel. If only on the surface, can someone direct me to a source on how to re-establish a new pattern?

2. At what temperature and time would you HT and temper this steel?

Any other suggestions appreciated.

Phil705
Winthrop WA
 
the pattern goes through the steel. The pattern changes ever so slightly when you grind your bevels, but a pattern is still there.
 
You'll want to HT it for the AEBL because the 304 is an austentitic stainless that won't harden. I think that this is a mix that Devin Thomas uses so he'd be a good source. Other than that, look on line for instructions for AEBL or Sandvik 13C26 -- they're the same steel.

Note that you will need a heat source that can hold around 1950F accurately for 15-30 minutes. A digitally controlled oven is what most of us use.

You'll also need SS tool wrap, preferably the high temperature version and may want to cryo the blade with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
 
As far as bringing the pattern back out after you're done working it, you'll need to acid etch it. For that mixture, the standard Ferric Chloride won't work. I'd contact Devin Thmoas for finishing details as it sounds like his steel.

-d
 
Deker

Devin suggested I use ferric in a 2 to 1 ratio. All I had was the 4 to 1 or 5 to 1 ratio dont remember, it took longer but it did work. Four soaks 10 to 15 min. each.
 
I use ferric chloride on my stainless steel damascus,too. 3:1 mix. It takes longer, but the results are good.
 
Thanks to all those who offered help. When you speak of a ferric chloride mix ratio, what is the other part of the mix?
 
Water. I.E. the ratio is how much you dilute a "standard solution". I imagine that for most of us a "standard solution" is what comes out of the bottle of PC board etchant that Radio Shack used to sell.
 
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