Do I have to remove scale on knife?

[wberry85]

I like the look of the scale on my knife after heat treat. Is it a bad idea to just leave it on there and polish up the flats? I cant ever seem to get the forge finished look using vinegar.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I am not a fan of "Brute de Forge", but some like it. As long as the edge is properly hardened, clean, and smooth, the rest of the knife is a matter of taste.

 

[MadBug]

You can do whatever you want, but do it because you want, not because you can't the results you want. Keep pushing.

 

[wberry85]

The thing i like about the steel straight out of HT, is the knife is actually textured. When I polish the knife, all of the steel is sanded back down flat again, but I would like to leave the rough texture on the blade.

The vinegar darkens the steel but leaves it too shiny, while the scale is a flatter black.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you like it, leave it. It won't harm the knife. Be aware that it may come off to some degree in use and cleaning.