Is Special Care Needed To Maintain A Damascus Blade?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
1,390
I have a Bud Nealy neck knife that I purchased about 7 years ago. I've kept it clean, and have wiped it with machine oil now and then. If I were to use Flitz or a similiar product, would the contrast fade?

Also, does anyone have any great links to see what is available as far as damascus patterns. I'm thinking of having a blade made, maybe even a K.L.O. ;)

Any input is most appreciated, guys!
 
I am not sure. I have a few damascus blades but have never had to polish them yet. I've noticed that polishing some blades with simichrome/flitz and then Renn Wax will bring out the hardening line a lot more sharply.
If your damascus looks fine, I wouldn't polish it :)
Here's an old pattern welded khukuri for inspiration!! (no, I don't own it... I wish I did! I was outbid, and I had crazily bid 650+ on it!!!)
dk.jpg
 
Just leave er alone. That fine pattern you are seeing 90% of time (well there are other ways to show a pattern besides etching) are the oxides left over after the blade has been etched. Iffen you polish it you will remove the oxides, and the pattern will become invisible. Just treat er like any other blade. Iffen the etch is new, keep an extra eye on it as etching opens the pores of da steel making it more succeptable to rust in the initial month/s. Odderwise just oil, or wax, etc... like any other normal blade.
 
All that's needes is a gentle wipe with any oily cloth every once in a while. If it's stored in a non-treated leather sheath, it will rust quicker.

MBE - that is one sweet khukuri..!!! :eek: :eek: :D
 
Sorry you lost out on the bid, Mr. BadExample; that blade is stunning, and the workmanship on the handle is superb. Let's not even mention that Sword of Shiva... :eek: Fine work!!! Keep looking for this kind of quality--you cannot go wrong.

Thanks Dan and Federico. It's in a kydex sheath with rare earth magnets further securing the knife. It needs to be sharpened a bit, and I feel that if I use a leather strop with some compound, it's all I need do to get it super sharp. I'll be careful to just tickle the edge... :D
 
Well DrDan iffen you are brave, you can always have your way with the blade, and then try re-etching it. Depending on the look you are trying to get, twouldnt be too difficult. Oh, forgot to mention, wax will preserve the finish as is, but oil will allow it to mellow as it gains patina over the years. I personally like it mellowed out, seems like every sword I etch is better looking after a few months in oil. Then again Im wierd :eek: :rolleyes: :p
 
Federico said:
Well DrDan iffen you are brave, you can always have your way with the blade, and then try re-etching it. Depending on the look you are trying to get, twouldnt be too difficult. Oh, forgot to mention, wax will preserve the finish as is, but oil will allow it to mellow as it gains patina over the years. I personally like it mellowed out, seems like every sword I etch is better looking after a few months in oil. Then again Im wierd :eek: :rolleyes: :p
Click to expand...

Thanks, Federico... I imagine that I can also re-etch it when needed, but it is far off from needing it.
 
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