Enhancing Damascus Pattern

[Knife Outlet]

I've been acquiring some Case knives with Damascus blades recently. The Damascus pattern is low in contrast due, I suppose, to using steels that look a lot alike. Is there any way to enhance the contrast and bring out the Damascus pattern more vividly?

Thanks.



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Fred
Knife Outlet
www.knifeoutlet.com

 

[Bob Rosenfeld]

You might want to try a cold gun blueing. The most important thing is to be sure the blade is super clean. Try useing acetone or some solution similar. It has to be squeeky clean. I use brownell's Oxdpho-blue but I guess any of the cold blues would work.

 

[Knife Outlet]

My own experience with cold bluing has been less than satisfactory. I usually get uneven results possibly because I don't get the steel squeeky clean as you say. I've never tried it on damascus and can see how some unevenness would be pretty unimportant. I'll give it a shot. Thanks.

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Try a very weak solution of ferric cloride and water . It will darken it evenly.
Just put it on with a q tip and wait a few mins. THen when it looks good.. use water with baking soda to wipe it down and stop the etch.. Pat it dry then oil..

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[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 23 May 1999).]

 

[Knife Outlet]

Darrel Ralph explained the ferric chloride treatment so I visited the local pharmacy today and bought an ounce of it. I learned that the chemical is used primarily in photo etching. I took some 0000 steel wood to the sides of both blades of a Case stag damascus muskrat so they looked just a little shinier. The ferric chloride came in big clumpy crystals but dissolved readily in water creating a reddish solution. I applied the ferric chloride as Darrel recommended and the blades got darker and darker just like he said they would. I dunked them in a solution of baking soda as recommended after a couple about three minutes, dried them and applied some gun oil. On close inspection I can see that some etching did take place and some of the softer steel obviously etched away just a little. The blades have a tiny bit of relief that they didn't have before. Thanks, Darrell. It worked like a charm. Now I know how the pros do. It isn't difficult at all. Now I gotta go look for some more damascus bladed Cases for the collection. It always works like that, doesn't it?

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Fred
Knife Outlet
www.knifeoutlet.com

 

[Bob Rosenfeld]

When using the cold blueing I have found that it not only has to be squeeky clean,but if you use a toothbrush to apply it, it comes out very even. It is a lot better than using a piece of cotton or a Q-Tip. Wouldnt use toothbrush on teeth though! Also read your reply to Darrel, You can purchase the ferric chloride at your local radio shack. It is called "Archers Etchant" and it is used as an etch for printed circuits. I also heard that the U.S. Govt. is trying to outlaw the use of these types of etchants because they are carcinogents and harmful to the environment. Someone at J.Batson's symposium brought this up about 1 year ago. Dont know if it is true or not but I woldnt put it past them.

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[Knife Outlet]

Thanks for the reply, Bob.

If there was ever a concept that "played wolf" in modern society it is the naming of carcinogens. I can only assume that everything on the planet is now a carcinogen and that eating, drinking or breathing anything is now considered dangerous to one's health. I've learned to ignore all warnings about carcinogens. I do want to sleep at night.

While the blades on my Case damascus muskrat don't look like the fancy damascus the custom bladesmiths often make by adding layers of nickel etc., they do look better after the ferric chloride bath. I don't think I would do this to a collectible knife but this muskrat is a user and has been improved by the treatment in my opinion. I decided to sharpen the blades and then had to do another treatment to get the sharpened edge the same color as the rest of the blade. It's been an interesting little project.

You know, now that I think about it, Damascus is my favorite knife steel. Tough, holds an edge well, sharpens relatively easily and is slick looking as well. If it rusts, just rub it with a little steel wool and haul out the ferric chloride. The industry should make even more damascus blades.

Take care.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
www.knifeoutlet.com