Fitting the Scales before Etching?

[Philadelph]

I suppose this is a pretty simple question and I've thought out some answers to it myself, but want to hear what others do.

When using Damascus, do you tend to completely fit the scales perfectly and just not attach/epoxy them yet (full tang knife) until after you etch the steel? Seems to me that if you etch the steel then fit the scales like some guys generally do, then you'll lose the etching on the tang when sanding/buffing the scales. What is your 'timeline' for this kind of thing?

 

[george tichbourne]

Fit and finish before you etch. Then epoxy the scales in place. The only sanding afterwards is to trim and polish the pins and that will not affect the damascus.

George

 

[SteelSlaver]

What I do is use bolts the size of the pins I plan to use to hold the scales in place. Then I sand the scales and steel where they meet the steel 100%. If your scale thickness is close to the final fit you can do the majority of the scale conture. Then loosen the bolts, remove scales, etch, then glue and pin the scales very carefully to get a good fit up. Once the glue is dry tape the blade and finish contouring the sides of the scales.