help with marking my SS damascus blade

[timos-]

Ok , after messing around with etching and refinishing the blade several times, I am finally happy with the consistency of the etch. Only one problem now, I forgot to put in my makers mark.

The surface is so uneven now, I dont think my stencil will make very good contact...I was contemplating using my dremel engraver to just sign my name...any ideas ? I cant believe this, I have so much time into this piece i forget to sign it!

 

[Robert Erickson]

What about etching the tang and doing a test mark there to see if the surface it too irregular? Nice blade BTW!

 

[A.McPherson]

Are you putting a handle on it? If so you could get your mark laser etched into the wood handle, or even into the blade... it might be worth looking into.

 

[Geoff Flato]

Thinking outside the box here, feel free to ignore it.
What about putting a steel/brass/whatever buttcap on the end of the handle and etching your mark there?
Might look better than carving up the blade with a dremel

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Not the answer you want to hear, I'm sure, but I'd sand a section clean, etch my name, and re-etch the whole thing. Only way to get it right, I'll bet...

 

[kuraki]

Matthew Gregory would you mask it prior to re-etching? I was thinking about getting some vinyl and using a hollow punch to make a uniform mask for this issue.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

I have very little experience with Damascus, so I'm not sure I should be one to ask that. I do know, however, that if the goal is a clear and clean maker's mark, an even surface is the right answer. Also, when I etch my name, I prefer to go over it with a stiff backed sanding stick and fresh paper, as it seems to 'sharpen' the lettering.

Forgot to mention this before - great looking blade, Tim!

 

[javand]

Matt is correct, the easiest option, is clean a spot and etch your mark.

The other option, if you've got access, or are willing to pay, is to have it laser engraved. I've got a good buddy that's a maker also, who has a pretty powerful ($$$$) laser that can cut metal (steel, ti, whatever, and it'll go as deep as you've willing to wait for), who has a vector graphic of my logo, and if I have a knife that I have to etch more than expected, and my mark burns out, will laser my mark. Looks incredible, better than if I etch it on mono steel with a fresh stencil, and as good as a top quality stamp. Unfortunately, we're talking a 6-figure cost laser.

I don't like having a "resisted" area for my mark, just doesn't look right to me, so usually, I etch real deep (although I'm trying to switch to stamps because they're simply better for this), put black nail polish in, and sand it flat, before etching. However, as I'm sure you know, if you have to go 1 or 2 etches deeper than expected, or have to re-etch for some reason, typically, your mark gets burned out to the point of being illegible. I also never seem to be able to tell when my stencil is toast, and the really tiny ones I use for my small slipjoints don't seem to last for more than a few etches.

 

[timos-]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. You guys are right I should just clean a spot and re etch but I have the handle on there now too. I will smooth a spot and just carefully dip the blade until close to the handle.
Matthew Gregory thanks for the compliment. profile is Sabatier but with height at the heel increased to 2" ...Devin Thomas's steel is just awesome to work, i love the random pattern.