Fixing grind marks on a damascus bevel

[Golden Goal]

A few months ago I picked up a Mcusta Tactility with one of their 33 layer damascus/VG-10 core blades. Gorgeous. Love it. Smooth action, insane edge out of the box.



When I picked it up recently to give it the polished edge it deserves I noticed that the back side of the blade has some vertical grind marks that are very pronounced at the tip and are even visible through the damascus pattern. I can't believe I didn't see this immediately and am kicking myself for not returning it. I have carried it a handful of times since I got it but it's still in factory mint condition; I am quite sure that nothing I have used the knife for could have caused this to happen - especially as the issue is only on one side of the blade.



Has anyone ever seen this before and/or know how I could attempt to fix it without ruining the damascus pattern? Would I be better served trying to return the knife (bought it through Knifecenter)?

Thanks!

 

[TravisH]

If you had just purchased it, I'd return it to Knifecenter.

But, after a few months, I'd contact Mcusta and see what they could do.

Or, you could try sanding them out. It wouldn't hurt the steel functionally but it'd probably change that gray finish (unless that's just a camera/lighting effect).

 

[Golden Goal]

I thought about that, but I'd rather have a fun damascus pattern from the factory and a few stray grind marks than a partial pattern/no pattern and no grind marks. I understand that most "damascus" steel is acid-etched but this doesn't look like most damascus. Anyone know if this stuff can be ground down and then re-etched or whatever it is that causes it to look like it does?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

If it's still factory mint, I'd at least contact Mcusta to see what they're willing to do. They likely won't be willing to do much after any attempt at fixing it on your own. Might even contact Knifecenter too (do that first). It's been quite a while since I dealt with them for anything, but I seem to remember their customer service was at least willing to be honest with those who ask an honest question. Maybe they'll exchange it for you, or maybe not. But there's nothing to be lost in asking them.

I don't see the same grind coarseness on my Mcusta (white corian w/VG-10 core & damascus). It's a stainless damascus, so that likely accounts for the different 'greyer' look of the etch, as compared with more typical non-stainless damascus blades, which etch much darker.


David