Sanding Damascus

[crocogator106]

What is the process of sanding Damascus without losing the Damascus pattern. I purchased a Damascus blank and when sanding he tang for the scales I noticed it began to look like regular metal (losing the Damascus patterns). I purchased the blank already done ( shape and bevel). I wanted to try a Damascus blade and thought I would practice on an already done blank. The blank was cheap so I dont know if it is because of that or does the metal have to be chemically treated again to get back the pattern once sanding is complete?

 

[jdm61]

It is etched in a mild acid. You can re etch it with ferric chloride, vinegar, lemon juice, etc.

 

[crocogator106]

So I can just rub vinegar on it with like a Q-Tip until the pattern comes back?

 

[ricky_arthur]

heat the vinegar to about 150-200 degrees and dip it for 10 minutes. take it out and sand it with 0000 steel wool. Repeat till you like how it looks.

The pattern on your damascus is always there it just has to be brought out with etching. The different steels used etch differently and cause the contrasting patterns.

 

[ricky_arthur]

double post

 

[crocogator106]

Thanks