Damascus Question

skullworks · March 03, 2008, 07:55:00 AM

I have a puchased damascus blade that I scratched.

And I need to know how to get it out. I know that I can sand one off a regular blade but if I do it on damascus will it have to be re-acid etched?

OconeeDan · March 03, 2008, 08:00:00 AM

yep.
You may be able to camoflauge it by cleaning with acetone, then touch up with blueing solution on a toothpick.
Scratches will still be there but they'll be darker instead of bright silver.

skullworks · March 03, 2008, 08:18:00 AM

That is a good idea. Nothing to lose by trying huh?

Lin Rhea · March 03, 2008, 08:28:00 AM

You might try lemon juice on the toothpick. I think it will give you a closer finish color. Of course, you could blue the whole blade, but you need to degrease it as Dan mentioned and not touch it with your hands before or while bluing.
Lin

varmint · March 03, 2008, 08:46:00 AM

Last time I asked I was pretty much told.......I'm stuck with the scratches.Just consider them "character"........

skullworks · March 03, 2008, 08:46:00 AM

Thanks Lin! Read the article about you...great stuff and beautiful work!

Doug Campbell · March 03, 2008, 09:47:00 AM

Can't imagine why you'd be stuck with scratches if you didn't want to be Varmit, unless they are real bad.

Skull, at the rate your going you just as well go ahead and get the experience of etching damascus. Again depending on how bad it is I'd say sand the scratch out and refinish the blade.

skullworks · March 03, 2008, 10:05:00 AM

How would I etch it? LOL!

Leftieshot · March 03, 2008, 07:02:00 PM

Yeah, how do you etch a damascas blade?

Lin Rhea · March 04, 2008, 06:03:00 AM

Guys,
You degrease it, let it set or hang in a mild acic for several minutes to several hours. I use Ferric Chloride, but lemon juice, vinigar, etc. will work. Spray it with windex (with amonia) and a baking soda solution afterward. This stops the acid from working.
This is a quick explaination, but will get you started.
Lin

skullworks · March 04, 2008, 06:51:00 AM

Thanks! I'll have to give it a go! I need to sand the scratches out first right? Just do it the same as I would any blade? Don't mean to sound dense. LOL!

skullworks · March 12, 2008, 06:53:00 AM

Lemon juice seems to have done the trick. I sanded it with 400 & 800 grit to get rid of the scratch and then soaked in lemon juice for about an hour and the pattern showed up nicely. Scratch isn't completely gone or maybe I just think that since I know where it was. LOL! Thanks again!