pattern welded blade finishing issues

J

JamesBrock

Joined
Jun 4, 2013
Messages
8
Having some issues with pattern "fade-out" on a damascus blade I just finished.
After a few cycles of soaking in FeCl and neutralizing in baking soda/windex, most of the oxides wipe off of the upper portion of the blade (near the spine), while the lower portions remain very dark, leading to a mottled overall finish.
What am I doing wrong?
 
Ahh, yes...
The spine was clayed prior to HT to obtain a differential hardness. Have seen yakibas pop after etching when using monosteels, but had no idea it would affect the appearance of pattern-weld so much. Makes total sense, though. Duh.
Thanks for the info, and great to meet you informally - have admired your work for years. Thanks!
 
To get an overall consistent appearance, its best to harden the entire blade, then temper. Even using a torch to draw the spine down will show. Its a compromise at best.

Good luck, Fred
 
Just built the wife a pendant and earrings from some scrap damascus I had left over after making some blades, last week. Etched them and they were ho hum. Yet the blades popped. Oh yeah, HT. Tossed them in the forge, brought them up to temp and quenched them. Re etched and now they popped too. Can ya re heat treat your blade?
 
No, unfortunately it's already handled. Was rushing trying to get her finished for the Zoe Crist benefit auction.
 
JamesBrock said:
Ahh, yes...
The spine was clayed prior to HT to obtain a differential hardness. Have seen yakibas pop after etching when using monosteels, but had no idea it would affect the appearance of pattern-weld so much. Makes total sense, though. Duh.
Thanks for the info, and great to meet you informally - have admired your work for years. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Nice to meet you informally also, James! There are ways to darken that area, but best if done before the handle in on. I will mess with and try different stuff on a damascus blade until I get the look I want. Then finish the knife. :) A lose buff with just the right amount of compound on it with do wonders for nu-hardened damascus, but not always...
 
Ended up picking up one of the 3-in-1 Birchwood Casey kits @ Academy. Light scrub w/ ultra fine scotch brite, degrease, blue, rinse, and oil. Lost some of the pop, but looks much less "mottled". Would post a pic but am technologically challenged :)
Thanks all for the insight
 
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