Should Damascus be etched around an exposed tang?

T

the possum

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Jul 31, 2002
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Hey there, guys. I'm currently debating on how to proceed with a smallish utility knife. It will have a Damascus blade and full exposed tang, with scale handles. I want everything to match up perfectly, and so I would normally do all the finish shaping of the scales after they're affixed in place on the tang. However, since I have to etch the Damascus before adding the scales, I'm trying to figure out if I could do a good job of shaping & finishing the scales without scratching up the finish on the tang.

Part of me says the simple solution is to just go ahead and sand the whole handle after assembly, making the tang bright and un-etched. But the other part of me is wrestling with the idea of having a mismatched finish on the steel transitioning from the spine to tang.

Do you guys have strong feelings on this either way? Is it a big deal to have a polished tang and etched blade, or should I do everything I can to preserve the etched finish around the tang?
 
I think it should be. I think it shows the extra skill and commitment it takes to do it 'right'. I'm not saying that leaving it un-etched is necessarily wrong or taboo but................................it just doesn't look 'right'.

It takes some extra care and planning to finish a full tang damascus blade all around the tang. Precision alignment pins are a good way to go and alignment pins and screws might be an even better way to consider.

Others' opinions may (and certainly do) vary.

If you have some hesitation already about leaving the tang bright, that may very well be your answer right there.
 
On a small knife you can carefully paint the scales with fingernail polish. I use clear. Be careful not to get any polish on back bar. Then etch back bar and when finished etching use acetone to clean polish off scales. This way you can completely finish knife the last step is etching the back bar. Gary
 
Always!
You can temporarily superglue and temp pin the scales on. Fully shape and polish everything then pop it apart and heirloom fit the works, etch and permanently pin. Folder screws are a pretty cool method too, the star pattern heads look much better than the Phillips or regular pattern.
HD
 
Always.


Even if you decide not to intentionally, it'll always look like you made a mistake and had to go back and grind/sand the spine, wiping out the etch.


That's one of the things that sets apart the skills needed to work with damascus, it's not just being able to make or buy, and etch it. You've got to be able to build each (most) components of a knife separately, to a finished state, and then assemble it all in the end without screwing up. That's one of the many reasons why it commands a higher price, when done correctly, as it definitely commands higher skill to do correctly.
 
J. Doyle said:
If you have some hesitation already about leaving the tang bright, that may very well be your answer right there.
Click to expand...

Yeah... Thanks everyone, for setting me straight. Guess I sorta knew the answer already, but it's better to hear it from the masters.

The extra effort and care is gonna suck, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.
 
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