damascus pattern

[Pignut]

Got a damascus blade and need to do a little re-profileing, however this will remove the pattern. to get it back I belive i need to dip in acid.. a couple of things.. do I need to remove all of the pattern before I re-dip? what acid do I dip in?

Clear as mud!!

Can anyone help?

 

[Pignut]

HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo

Can anyone help or has the pigmeister been boycoted?

 

[Tantalus]

Try asking your question on BB

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about the pattern and would expect it to come back up with normal use anyway.

Some people have been known to use mustard , the vinegar will help cause a little oxidation which will vary in places depending on the steel.

Tant

 

[Pignut]

Thanks

I am making the knife for someone so want it to look good from the start

If you see what I mean

Thanks again for your reply

 

[Dave Budd]

When you say 'reprofile' are you talking about teh shape or teh geometry? In other words, if it's just the back of the blade that's been removed or is it the sides too?

If it's just the back then I would leave it shiny and let natural patination revela it in due time. But if it's the sides then yes you do need to take the whole thing to bare clean metal then re etch.

Ferric chloride is your best bet. It's pretty safe and you can get it from the likes of Maplins fairly cheaply and i small amounts. Cut it with water and etch slowly with a weak solution.

As mentoined there is a lot of info on BB if you get stuck

 

[Bernie Garland]

Hi Pignut
The best way I find to etch is to finish the blade with whatever grit finish you would like on the entire blade. Then I half fill a plastic tupperware container with lid i.e sandwhich box with normal malt vinigar and pcb etchant which is an acid solution for cleaning computer motherboards and is readily available for minimal costs. I also put in a brand new 9v square battery which speeds up the process. Keep taking the blade out washing in soapy water till you get the required etch. Wash once more in soapy water and finish the blade with a good quality gun oil with anti corrosion properties or ren wax. This will keep the etched pattern on the blade. If you see my site you will see some of the damascus knives that I have made and etched
Hope this helps
bernie

 

[Pignut]

Thanks all!

That should cover it!

Will post a picture or two when it is done