Question about Damascus steel....

[Lost Dog]

Hello All,

Brand newbie here....

A while back I purchased, on auction, a beautiful Italian Stiletto with a damascus blade. The blade on the knife was such that the pattern of the damascus was raised (the lighter areas being higher than the darker areas of the blade). Running your finger along the flat of the blade you can actually feel the pattern of the damascus steel.

Later, I saw a comparable knife offered on auction, described in a manner similar to the one I owned. After receiving the new knife I was disappointed to find that the damascus pattern was not raised (it almost looks as if one would be able to rub the pattern off the blade).

Does the raised pattern damascus steel have a specific name? Is it of a specific type? I know next to nothing about damascus steel aside from that I find it appealing.

In future purchases, I would like to be able to ask the Sellers what type of steel is used, and be able to tell the difference. Purchasing by auction, I am not able to handle the knives in question. All I have are pictures (not always reliable) and written descriptions to go by.

Thanks for bearing with the newbie...LD

 

[Peter Atwood]

The raised areas that you describe are just the result of a longer etch than the other smoother blade. The longer the blade is left in the acid, the more gets eaten up. It is possible to re-etch the blade if you are not happy with it to further enhance the texture.

 

[raker]

When etching the blade, make sure that the areas that do not need to be etched are protected from the acid. When done, neutralize with baking soda and clean thoughly. Use a very find sand paper to polish the ridges and oil. Acid will make stag very soft and discolored as I found out. If the pattern is plain to see, I wouldn't worry about it right now.
If you know some one that has done some etching, I would recommend you seek their help and advice.