Question: Question for knifemakers using damascus

[DKanger]

I am assuming that you harden your blades first and then etch it to bring out the pattern. Just want to make sure it's not the other way around.

I have a bar of Kevin Cashin Damascus that I traded for many years ago and never used. I am making a lock plate for an Alex Henry long range target rifle from a chunk of it.

 

[tundratrekers@mtaonline.n]

Polish, heat treat,polish,etch.
You may wish to fine sand between etchings.
Also,the slower the etch the better.
You must use an weak acid, in order for it to etch the different metals at different rates.
michael

 

[monk]

i always thought hard and soft were forged together. and maybe drew the temper after final welding. i tried this maybe 30 or so years ago-- i much prefer arc welding to that of the forge. then again, at that time i discovered i'd never become a knifemaker. it's one of those telling moments, when you know-- just don't do this ever again.

 

[DKanger]

i always thought hard and soft were forged together.

Monk, That may have been the original process before modern steels became available. Today, it's more the pattern welding of dissimilar metals. The piece that I have consists of O1 and W1 steels forged together.

 

[alfred54]

Hi DKanger
I´m knifemaker and I use Damascus frequently
Yes that's right - echting after heat treatment- gives the best result.
As allready mentioned slower echting is recommended.
Usualy i polish inbetween several etching treads.
best regards from Sweden,
Alfred

P.S. please excuse my bad english

 

[monk]

YEAH, all those newfangled alloys, makes me glad i failed as a knifemaker. i did make quite a few medieval battle weapons, but nothing fancy other than the overall appearance. all these items were arc welded. the beads were heated to orange, and i beat the crap out of them to hide the fact of arcwelding.

 

[AndrosCreations]

at that time i discovered i'd never become a knifemaker. it's one of those telling moments, when you know-- just don't do this ever again.

Monk, That's hilarious and gave me a chuckle... Yet I suspect the results were actually better than you're letting on...

...and, saying this without anyone in mind, but in general... It's interesting to see when knife makers try their hand at engraving but find that they might not be suited to it. (and on the other hand, some do very well!).