Thread: Saving the Etch?

I'm sure its been asked before, but I cant seem to find it.

What method of cleaning/polish stands the best chance of bringing an etched blade back to shine?

I recently picked up a find on the bay, and was pleased to discover it has a beauty of an etch job on it, but the whole thing has become heavily patina-ed(?) with a few small rust spots.

I want to save as much of the etch as possible, and make it visible again.

Words of Wisdom anybody?

Pre-clean with denatured alcohol and then try some Brasso. Rewipe with denatured alcohol then oil the blade.

Any chance of getting a photo to help our assessment
Grant

It depends on the type of etch. If it is one of those deep engraved type etchings, #0000 steel wool and metal polish should work quite well. If it is a frosted etch or something with gold wash you will have to decide to live with the rust/tarnish or prepare to lose the etch. As stated above, pics will most definitely help narrow down the advice.

Its one of the frost etches. and damned hard to catch in a photo! But I will try.

Behold, Angels Sing of this mighty Wedge!

I'd say learn to live with the patina. As for the rust, affix a small piece of sandpaper to a pencil eraser and carefully navigate the etch, removing the rust with as much surgical precision as you can. Beautiful blade by the way.

Isnt it though? One of the most detailed etches I have seen.

Beautiful etching! Sadly (in my experience) this type of frosted etch is the result of an intentionally short bite with the etching medium - just enough to take the surface off. Even light rubbing reduces the frosted effect and makes the contrast between bright and frosted lower, so the pattern is even harder to see.

Regards,
Neil