Brand new Damascus bowie, scratched and ruined by butcher

[Philoanon]

Hello fellow knife lovers.

I have recently bought a Damascus bowie knife (hand made, full tang, 512 layer, bone handle). The knife came with out an edge from Atlanta Cutlery. I (not being to confident) to put an edge on my self took the knife to a butchers (very good at knife sharpening, i was told) and sure enough put a very fine edge upon the knife, however, the butcher also scratched the Damascus pattern off of the flat of the knife in certain places, much to my dismay. I am now left with a very sharp Damascus bowie with sever loss of character.

I am buying some ferric chloride this weekend in order to replace the fine pattern of the blade after sanding it with 600 grade wet and dry paper. What I am worried about is, making more mistakes, ruining the blade further and because the knife now has a fine edge, taking away most of that edge with the ferric chloride.

This knife is ment for a birthday present for a dear friend, I have one week before he receives it. Please, if any one can give me their advice and a full outline of the etching process, I would be most at their service.

With thanks David

[TikTock]

Is the blade a full takedown blade? Can you remove it from the handle? The tough part will be getting an even etch without getting FECL into joints around the guard or having it dye the scales. Re-etching a blade that is complete can be trciky, so I will leave the process up to the experts. I would most likely carfeully put a resist along the edge bevel so that it wont be etched, use a resist on the guard and guard seam, then dip in a 4:1 water to FECL solution. The tough part will be post-etch, matching the pattern to what you want. Had you considered talking to the maker and seeing if he can do a rush job fixing it for you and ship it back within the week?

[Philoanon]

Full tang blade - i have taken away most off the scratches - though in this also taken away the pattern - the top side of the side of the knife still has the pattern visible though the edge area is blank. Could i just apply the etchant to this area allowing it to run down the blade and drip off the end?
using some kind of brush?

I need help!!!

Also the maker lives in the US - i live in Scotland - and no i cant seperat the blade from the handle.

[Mace]

I am no damascus expert...........but I would imagine you could apply the FC with a cotton ball and try to blend it all. Stay away from the handle...you dont want that stuff under there. You can even do the edge....just run it on a stone when done...couple light swipes should be good.

Make sure to neutralize the FCwith some windex or something. You may also want to use some paste polish too.
Good luck!
Mace

[schwarzer]

You dont have a problem sand the blade using the 600 grit paper untill the scratches are removed. You may need to use a rougher paper first. After removing the scratches wrap the handle usiing masking tape / Cover the guard and solder line with finger nail polish . Let the polish dry Mix ferric cloride with atl east 50% distilled water. Clean the blade with acetone or soap and water . Thne dip the blade in the ferric for a few seconds at a time gleaning it with clear water and worn out 2000 grit sand paper or the finest grit you have . Repeat this process untill the etch is deep enoung to suit you. Then wash the blade with amonia sulution . Then give it a light buff. If you dont have a buffer use a hard backing and a soft cloth and a little polishing compound . Remove the tape. Then remove the finger nail polish using acetone and paper towels
When you are finished coat it with a little paste wax and you should be good to go.
schwarzer

[Philoanon]

Many Many thanks, Schwarzer, Mace and David. I shall let you know the results when done.

Thankyou again.

[Philoanon]

Thankyou all very much!!! Blade is now restored with a fine edge (if i do say so myself). I used a paint brush in the end and the resuts are perfect. Thankyou all again for your help.
Now i only hope my friend likes the knife as much as i do.

Moderator... please cancel this thread or do with it as you wish.

Many thanks. David