disappearing Damascus

well lets see, I started out with a custom piece with excellent ergonomics. Materials and construction only vaguely known or and much less well understood. Designer in origin a complete mystery. And though I hate to say it Damascus pattern a little low contrast for my tastes. I have now ended up with a beautifully and deeply etched custom knife. I now not only know who the designer as I am deeply impressed with this character and his lalargess :D

  • To answer your question yes I am sincerely satisfied.
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New to the board here and very much a green-horn neophyte but this thread prompted me to reply. Been lurking for some time here gathering knowledge and researching various components of the craft everyone here is involved with. Have to say I sure appreciate the info shared on the board and specifically this thread. Back-story, always looking for unique gifts to give the wife and being a student of "life" was looking for something unique to give her for Valentines Day. Since she is an excellent chef, what conveys love better than a really sharp knife? (damascus) Turned out fairly good for the first attempt and was even able to combine her other passion (horses) by making the scales of the same material horse mats are made of. Her friends wanted to make sure I didn't use mats already used by the horses and had a good laugh...but I digress. Went to put a mirror polish on it and you can imagine what came next..."where did everything go?" Since then I've returned to my lifeline (this board) in hopes of finding a solution which is more of a simple fix than reading I've toasted the blade and chalk it up to educational costs. Being somewhat relieved that I'm not the only one that faced this issue and that there is indeed a solution (heading to Radio Shack shortly) prompted me to cross the line from "lurker" to initial post and convey thanks to those that share their experiences to those just starting out and coming up the ranks.

Best regards,
Don
 
I've noticed that the Ferric Chloride I got from Maplins (UK version of Radio Shack) gives a 4:1 ratio water to Ferric. I have found this is way too strong for bringing out the contrast, in that everything goes black almost instantly. It's a good strength if you want to raise the texture between the patterns, but for etching to bring out the contrast, I usually use an 8:1 mix. It takes a bit longer to get there but the contrast is better in that the brights stay bright.
 
Thanks Parbjtor... will probably try a weaker solution initially and see where that takes me...
Best regards,
Don
 
I have used my pool chemicals to do the etching (muriatic acid). Water is an excellent neutralizer oddly enough and does not harm anything. if you need it, add a little table salt or bath salts to warm water and let it sit. I just don't like to deal with the rust that invariably occurs unless the Ph is specific. Oiling the blade is important after.
 
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