Damascus tempering question

Joseph Bandeko

Joseph Bandeko

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Dec 9, 2021
Messages
1,363
Good day everyone!

In y'alls experience what's the max tempering temp you can use for damascus (1084/15n20) before it starts to negatively effect the etch? Making a damascus guard and I want to be able to work it easily after heat treat.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I don't think the temper will affect the etch much. I would suggest 400-450°F
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I'd like to go much hotter if I can, this guard isn't going to be fun to file after heat treat. I was thinking 600F or so would bring it back to a good hardness, I'm just not sure how it'll affect the etch. The blade is the same 1084/15n20 but I'm tempering it at 375F.
I want them to be as close as possible out of the coffee.
 
A 600°F temper will still be around Rc57.

You shouldn't need much filing after HT on a guard. Finish the guard to at least 400 grit and then HT. Resand, and etch. EDM stones may be helpful after hardening.

Not sure why you feel hardness will make a difference in a coffee etch.
 
Joseph, you can think about your steps and strategy, but to answer your question, in my experience you can temper it way back and still get good contrast in the etch. The pommel of this dagger project was taken to a spring temper (high 40s).
Dagger~2.jpg
 
Richard338 said:
in my experience you can temper it way back and still get good contrast in the etch. The pommel of this dagger project was taken to a spring temper (high 40s).
Click to expand...
That's really what I was looking for. I think I know what I'm gonna do.

I've never done a damascus guard before, so I just wasn't sure if tempering it way back would have any effect or not.

Thanks y'all! If I remember to, I'll post a pic when it's done.
 
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