Thread: Thoughts on cleaning Damascus

So I just got a hold of this Wosty frameback. It's actually the second one of these that has come my way, but the first had a plain steel blade. This one is etched "Damascus Steel" and has a pattern on it as well. I have no idea what kind of steel the blade is actually made of.

Unfortunately, there is some staining/buildup of stuff on the blade. I've included a picture of the front (which is worse than the back) so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. I don't think it will be possible, but does anyone know of a way to clean this up without losing the etching/pattern?

With the staining over the writing and the etching is already worn looking your options are limited. I would try some cape cod polishing cloths and see what happens. They are pretty gentle but effective as long as you have some time on your hands.

Questions and thoughts.

Can you dismount the blade? Because you won't want to etch the frame portion.

Solving the problem will need two distinct processes depending on how you want this to end up. You could do a test etch with apple cider vinegar. Clean the blade to remove oils and crud. Warm up some vinegar and dab it on a test portion (you're going to polish it all away when you clean it up anyhow) and see if the pattern improves. If the pattern does not appear after this, it's likely branded Damascus for advertising.

Plan A: forget the "Damascus" label. Polish the blade to a mirror, clean with acetone or cleanser to remove all oils etc. and etch with acid to bring out the base pattern.

Plan B: keep the "Damascus" label. You'll need to reproduce the font at some point. Polish the blade as in Plan A. Cover the blade with an acid resist and when set, carve away all the resist around the letters. Clean the blade not covered in resist and etch. This will leave a patterned blade with a polished Damascus label like the original.

I dunno though, the pattern I'm seeing looks mighty regular for pattern welding. That does not mean this isn't a pattern welded blade, but the result of very good forging skills.

Thanks for the input, guys.

I don't think the blade can be removed; I'm not seeing anything to suggest it could come off.

Spendur, I see you suggested Cape Cod polish; would MAAS be about equivalent? (That's what I have on hand)