Fading Damascus

hindererhopeful

hindererhopeful

Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Messages
104
Hey guys.

So around a year or so ago I bought a Kershaw Skyline Damascus. When I first got it I noticed that the blade seemed slightly faded. Over time it seems to have gotten more and more visible. I have carried it some but not used it a whole lot. Until recently I always stored it in its box when I was not carrying it. I'm not super familiar with damascus steel and just didn't know if this is normal or if theres something I can do to fix it.

Heres a pic of mine (in the middle) and two others that have never been carried and have only ever sat in their boxes besides being taken out a few times. I just want to point out that mine has seems to be from a newer batch as it has the newer kershaw logo.

SkylineD6.jpg
 
Cutting things will wear the etch. You can re-etch it with the right etchant. Carbon steel can be etched pretty easily with Ferric Chloride, stainless requires something a bit stronger - I've used HCl with success on some stainless "Damascus" pattern welded steel blades.
 
50/50 mix lemon juice and vinegar will do it. it is carbon not stainless, Kershaw uses Alabama Damascus steel
 
Alright, thanks for the advice. My only question now is how would I go about applying the mixtures? Would I just rub it on the blade or should I fully submerge it? Also are there any requirements for the mixture such as boiling it?

thanks
 
put the solution in a container then the blade, covered by the solution. I use air from an old aquarium pump to keep it agitated but it isn't needed. it takes from 15 to 30 minutes and the blade has to be oilfree. some heat it some don't. I use a glass jar, air from airstone, and sit it in a pan of warm water. when you remove it use either baking soda solution or windex to stop the acid and causing rust. I also hand polish it with 2000 w/d and then oil. the sandpaper helps contrast. beware and use it lightly else you will be redoing it.
 
Alright, thanks for the help guys. I'll definitely do this although I don't think I'll take sand paper to it.
 
Just finished doing this. First time around it didn't work to well so I heated up the mixture a little and it worked better. After that a put a bit of oil on the blade when I was done.

Heres a pic compared to the original. Sorry for the terrible lighting.
SkylineD6.jpgphoto.jpg
 
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