Finishing an Alabama Damascus blank

[mcilfilm]

Originally posted in the wrong forum. My apologies. New poster.

I purchased my first damascus blade from Alabama Damascus and it looks great.
Got a great deal as it has some imperfections in the pin holes.
It is already hardened/heat treated.

Here are my questions/issues.

1. It has some residual marks from the water jetting and I would like to smooth them out on a drum sander.
Also has a few inconsistencies in the finger choils. Would also like to deal with these on the drum sander.
It will require some actual material removal. What are my concerns here?

2. It also has some light vertical grinding lines in the hollow grind.
I have dealt with these types of lines on other steels like 440c with sandpaper on a wheel, ending in about 400 grit.
Will I have issues with trying this on this Damascus? Or is there a preferred method?

It is also covered with a very shiny coating which I will want to remove. Should I sand it or is there a common remover for this?

Will I re-etch blade when finished.

Thanks for all of your help.

 

[Frank Niro]

All is pretty much normal and the same approach as you used for the 440-C will work. If you sand out the "etch as well as the scratches you can re etch it. I have never used an Alabama Damascus blade in the field but have read where others say it is a good cutting steel.
Frank.