How to look after wootz blade

Lew · 11th November 2006, 12:43 PM

Hi All

First I agree with Lee 0000 steel wool is great for removing any light surface rust. I do not like using any type of wax on wootz blades they have a tendency of cleaning or removing some of the etch from the blade. I would only use a good oil. Mineral oil is ok for starts a light coating will do make sure to wipe off the excess oil from the blade. Alex yor jambiyas etch is fine so I would not fool with it just a bit of oil will be fine. The only time I will etch is if a have a rusty old blade which I want to check to see if it is wootz. After a good cleaning I apply a weak solution of ferric chloride to a 2 inch area and I wait to see if the pattern pops through. Some wootz blades have been so over polished over the years that they can actually loose there ability to have the pattern brought out.

Lew

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

11th November 2006, 12:43 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Hi All First I agree with Lee 0000 steel wool is great for removing any light surface rust. I do not like using any type of wax on wootz blades they have a tendency of cleaning or removing some of the etch from the blade. I would only use a good oil. Mineral oil is ok for starts a light coating will do make sure to wipe off the excess oil from the blade. Alex yor jambiyas etch is fine so I would not fool with it just a bit of oil will be fine. The only time I will etch is if a have a rusty old blade which I want to check to see if it is wootz. After a good cleaning I apply a weak solution of ferric chloride to a 2 inch area and I wait to see if the pattern pops through. Some wootz blades have been so over polished over the years that they can actually loose there ability to have the pattern brought out. Lew