Who heat treats bolsters?

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

I have some damascus bolsters on a currnet knife project and wondered if I should heat treat them? Will this help cut down on rust or dents and dings from use?
Thanks
Chuck

 

[Bruce Bump]

The only advantage I can think of is they will have better color and texture if they are hardened first. They will etch at the same rate as the blade for a better match. If you are gun-blueing it wont matter.

 

[Arthur Washburn]

Damascus gets its color when etched from the tempered martensite. If they havent been hardened then you will get a grey color because the steel is in an austinetic state. If its carbon steel then you can cold or hot blue them for good color. If its stainless damascus bluing will not work and you must harden them for proper color.

 

[L6steel]

Next time I use damascus for both the blade and the bolsters I'm for sure gonna heat treat the bolsters too. Makes all the difference in the world how they etch.