How To Etch and polish low layer damascus

[FunkCoaster]

I would like to get the best contrast possible on eleven layer damascus. Turkish twist and random, if it matters.

Most advice suggests etching away material, then sanding with a hard backing using very fine grit. This way the sanding only touches the high nickel steel which remains higher.

With low level damascus I am concerned the amount of etching needed to create these high/low points will remove too much material, especially at the cutting edge. Plus, the sanding may not be able to bridge the high points.

My current plan is to etch, lightly sand at 2500, and assume that much of the black oxides will be removed, resulting in bright highs, gray lows.

 

[weo]

For damascus, most makers do multiple etches. It's really going to depend on the strength of your acid and the ambient temperature (warmer means faster etch). Depending on the time of year, I typically do three or four 10-20 minute etches, cleaning the oxides off the blade with steel wool between each cycle.
You'll have to experiment with your equipment to find out what works for your setup. It's better to do multiple short etching cycles opposde to 1-2 longer cycles.

With low level damascus I am concerned the amount of etching needed to create these high/low points will remove too much material, especially at the cutting edge. Plus, the sanding may not be able to bridge the high points.

These are both good things to think of. Because you mentioned this, you are thinking the right way, and just will have to see what works with your setup.

 

[Richard338]

I got good results by sanding to 600 grit, etching in FC for 3-4x15 minutes (as per weo), about an hour total, then polish lightly with pink 3M polishing paper (4000 grit).
After etching and before polishing I rinsed in windex and wiped with breakfree.