Proportions on various wootz etching solutions

DaveS · 8th March 2007, 09:15 PM

David: I really don't think that it's possible to etch while retaining the original patina. In order to bring out the best pattern that would be viewable it's been my experience that you need to bring the blade up to some semblance of polish. You might try simply degreasing the blade, and then etching without polishing, or maybe using oooo steel wool on the blade before etching, in which case most of the original patina might be retained. It's just a matter of individual taste as to how they like a pattern to look. In my case, i like as high contrast as possible. I like a nice patina on wood, but in my opinion, patina on metal equals NEGLECT. In almost all of the cultures that we collectors deal with, the people are immensely proud of their weapons. Some reference books have stated that the silver would have been kept polished, the gold would have been kept clean and blades would have been kept in a condition of "stain", or at least been cleaned periodically. I firmly belive that most of what we see as collectors, has been stored in a auction wherehouse, or in someones attic for 50 or 80 or even 100 years. Pieces just wouldn't look that "gungy" if they were being used. Maybe this is just my opinion and no one elses...........Dave

Battara · 8th March 2007, 10:20 PM

I agree with you Dave. Silver and gold are to be kept clean. To etch a blade with out getting rid of the patina is impossible. But then that is ok since the cultures that valued damascus or wootz steels tried to keep these in etched condition anyway.

katana · 9th March 2007, 01:04 PM

Hi Dave and Battara,
thankyou both for your input

. I have to agree that a sword would have been maintained regulary....and on that basis I should clean the blade as best I can. So as not to remove too much metal, I will try to get a even smooth surface and leave some of the slighty deeper 'pits'. Then try the etch.......and see what happens.

Regards David

8th March 2007, 09:15 PM	#1
DaveS Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 327	David: I really don't think that it's possible to etch while retaining the original patina. In order to bring out the best pattern that would be viewable it's been my experience that you need to bring the blade up to some semblance of polish. You might try simply degreasing the blade, and then etching without polishing, or maybe using oooo steel wool on the blade before etching, in which case most of the original patina might be retained. It's just a matter of individual taste as to how they like a pattern to look. In my case, i like as high contrast as possible. I like a nice patina on wood, but in my opinion, patina on metal equals NEGLECT. In almost all of the cultures that we collectors deal with, the people are immensely proud of their weapons. Some reference books have stated that the silver would have been kept polished, the gold would have been kept clean and blades would have been kept in a condition of "stain", or at least been cleaned periodically. I firmly belive that most of what we see as collectors, has been stored in a auction wherehouse, or in someones attic for 50 or 80 or even 100 years. Pieces just wouldn't look that "gungy" if they were being used. Maybe this is just my opinion and no one elses...........Dave

8th March 2007, 10:20 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with you Dave. Silver and gold are to be kept clean. To etch a blade with out getting rid of the patina is impossible. But then that is ok since the cultures that valued damascus or wootz steels tried to keep these in etched condition anyway.

9th March 2007, 01:04 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Dave and Battara, thankyou both for your input . I have to agree that a sword would have been maintained regulary....and on that basis I should clean the blade as best I can. So as not to remove too much metal, I will try to get a even smooth surface and leave some of the slighty deeper 'pits'. Then try the etch.......and see what happens. Regards David