Thread: My Dream Blade...Can I Save the Etching?

I have wanted an old Greaves wedge with blonde horn scales for a while, and finally got one. It has a beautiful etching on the blade that I would like to save all the while making it shine again. I have only worked with clean blades and blades with stamped words, so this will be the first time with this type of etching.

What techniques will safely remove the crud while preserving the etching? I have up to 2000 grit sandpaper, all types of lapping film, red and green polishing compound, and metal glo. The last thing I want to do is remove the etching by starting with something too aggressive. I would appreciate some guidance from those of you who are more experienced.