danascus etch

[RARanney]

I like to etch damascus before heat treat, to get a peek at how it will look. Usually this works well, but occasionally not. I have some nickel damascus which I know to be first rate, and among the very best made in terms of quality. It won't, however etch on the blade grind area, but does on the tang (folder blade). Why is it some types will etch pre heat treat and others not. Thanks.

 

[Reg ELLERY]

This is just what I was told it may not be true. When still annealed there is often a greater degree of difference between the hardness of the base metals. When heat treated they are both harder and less difference in hardness.

True or not I have seen the same thing happen.