Thread: How to preserve blade etching

Saving an etch is delicate work, yours looks pretty deep though.

Lapping film works exceptionally well. For the blade start with 1k or higher with a stiff backer. Small pieces of wet & dry or film and a pencil on the tip of the eraser works well to sand around the etch, take your time.

Micro Mesh sanding pads and paper work well for cleaning up around the etch when used carefully, but use lapping film over the etch for maximum performance.

I buy my film from Thor Labs, but you can buy single sheets from some woodworking and carving supplies. Diamond lapping film is 10 times the cost, but do not produce 10 times the performance, Silicone and Aluminum Oxides

Here is an excellent post by Geezer on darkening bluing and high grit sanding, (Revealing Etchings). The trick to cold bluing is scrupulously clean surface and a bit of heat from a hair dryer or heat gun.