Fading of etch on damascus

[Honed_Edge]

Straight from their website:
Note: We cannot re-etch discontinued models with Damascus blades since we would be unable to replace the blade if damage were to occur during the process.

If it's not a new 31, then don't worry about a factory refreshing. They don't want the hassle I guess. I think I'll buy some small bars of DT or CN damascus and do some testing. My plan was the method mentioned by sogtrident7. I want to see how repeated etches deepen the pattern and how dark I can get it for best contrast. I would be too nervous to learn on an irreplaceable 21 blade. I don't care if I murder a small chuck of damascus bar stock. I tend to agree with Motega in regards to a few etchings shouldn't hurt anything.