Stainless Damascus

[Donald Bell]

I am trying to etch unhardened stainless twist damascus. So far Archers and water in various concentrations ,and 10:1 nitric aren't giving me much contrast in colour or depth.
Does anyone out there have a proven method to make this look good?
Thanks,Don
PS Myweb site is now almost complete,and it is running-WWW.Bellknives.com

 

[Larrin]

Who made the damascus? Muriatic or Sulfuric acid seem to be the most commonly used etchants for Damasteel, while Ferric Chloride is used for Devin Thomas or Norris. Also, you'll probably get more contrast if you heat treat it.

 

[Donald Bell]

Larrin, Thanks for the info. It was Damasteel so I tried the sulphuric. At 2:1 concentration-4 etches of 5 min. each with baking soda scrub in between gave a crisp pattern and nice colour contrast.
regards, Don

 

[george tichbourne]

I have a piece of dense twist Damasteel here for guards but the twist is so tight that even when the things are etched the pattern is difficult to see. I prefer more open pattern Damasteel because the pattern shows off better.

 

[Ansoknives]

the main problem your experiencing is because the steel is unhardened....I have no solution for you there.....I have never had any problem with hardened Damasteel and use a hot 10% solution fresh! H2S04.......works wonders....btw here is a tight twist for ya:

 

[RDT]

Beauty!!!!!!!