Polishing Damascus

[Isthisaknife]

I just bought my first Damascus knife and promptly went ahead and cut some cardboard, subsequently scratching the heck out of it...
Now what do I do?
How do I buff out the scratches without seriously messing up my new blade?

 

[uilleann]

I am no expert but i have done this as well. Any grit anything will remove the scratches but the dark oxidation as well. I had success with two blades.... and not good as new but they are ok. One was a CS damascus and hot lemon juice and vinegar darkened the blade and scratches and then I used a very fine steel wool to bring the original look back. On a SS damascus I bought some ferric chloride and I think I heated it. It darkened fhe blade but did not get it all the way. Hopefully you will get some better answers as I was just experimenting