Pitting on etched metal--will sanding ruin the etch?

**jlroettger** · 03-23-2010, 12:28 AM

Hello!

I was just wondering how deep metal etching is. When you need to remove pitting, how much sanding can a blade take before you ruin the etching? Check out the top right of this picture for an example of what I'm talking about (I'm concerned about the swirls):

If I had to guess, of course I'd say that yes, removing the pitting would also remove the etching, but I figured I'd ask just in case.

Also, if that's the case (i.e. that the etch would be compromised), then is there anyway to redo/restore the etching afterwards? I've used glass etching cream before, and it works great.

Thanks everyone! I've had a blast lurking around here the past few days.

**Maximilian** · 03-23-2010, 12:55 AM

the swirls disappear as soon as you start using anything abrasive.

They fade if you use something less abrasive

It's one of those 'I want to keep or lose' deciding factors.

**JimmyHAD** · 03-23-2010, 02:55 AM

If the pitting is bad I can't see it from the pix but unless it is absolutely driving you up the wall I wouldn't do more than Maas or Semichrome. Those swirls really make a Wonderedge look right to me. Without them it wouldn't be the same even if it shaved the same.

**VeeDubb65** · 03-23-2010, 03:24 AM

It's a simple matter of depth. The pitting at the top right is clearly much much deeper than that swirl pattern.

I haven't used a tumbler, but that "might" be able to at least shine it all up without losing the swirls. But as max said, anything abrasive and they're toast.

**jlroettger** · 03-23-2010, 03:46 AM

Is there any way to re-etch the swirls? Acid etching maybe--has anyone ever tried anything like that here?

**BKratchmer** · 03-23-2010, 05:12 AM

That pitting could be left over from manufacture... it is so small, I wouldn't worry about it. Really. WAY more work than it is work to remove those pits and then re-stamp and re-etch the tang.

**greatgoogamooga** · 04-02-2010, 03:22 AM

Originally Posted by jlroettger

Is there any way to re-etch the swirls? Acid etching maybe--has anyone ever tried anything like that here?

I don't think you could get that exact swirl pattern, but you could jewel a pattern into a haft (on another razor, now that you're having it professionally done).

YouTube - How to Jewel a Rifle Bolt for a Custom Look

**jlroettger** · 03-23-2010, 03:21 PM

Thanks for all the replies!

I've got some work cut out for me ha. Gonna have to buy some good sandpaper and find me a good 6+ hours of free time.

Not bad a bad candidate for my first go at restoration though, I think. :P

**JimmyHAD** · 03-23-2010, 03:30 PM

That razor has a lot of potential. If it was mine I would either clean it up with scrubbing bubbles, semichrome and hone it and use it as is or send it to Max for a pro restore. I wouldn't try a restore on that unless I was a very experienced hand at that sort of thing but to each his own. At least do a few of lesser rarity and value before attempting a restore on a nice full bladed Wonderedge. Just IMHO.

**jlroettger** · 03-23-2010, 03:56 PM

I didn't think it had too much potential so I didn't think it would be a real loss if I messed it up. There's all that pitting near the edge, and the scales are out of wack, and whatnot.

If you think it actually might clean up nice, though, I might buy a few crappy ebay razors to get the hang of restoration before going all out on this guy.

At either rate, I'd rather not send it to someone. You get more of an attachment to the stuff you make/fix yourself.

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