Hidden wootz

RSWORD · 5th November 2008, 12:30 AM

Woostz can be very difficult to photograph, especially Indian crystalline damascus. I recommend taking the photograph outside in soft light, ie, early morning or in the evening when the sun isn't at its brightest. However, I can see from the pictures provided that the blade on the handle side of the scarf weld is pattern welded. I am noticing little pools and open lines like you see in Indian pattern welds. To the tip side of the scarf weld, it does appear to be very fine(as in low contrast, tight pattern) crystalline damascus woostz. Indian crystalline woostz is often just as you see, a tight pattern with very little visible contrast. You are probably not going to bring out that pattern much more boldly simply because it is not inherent in that form of woostz.

archer · 7th November 2008, 12:44 AM

RSword, Your comments caused me try again with ferric chloride that produced the circles you mentioned everywhere, I was pleased to see that when i applied baking soda paste the circles went away. I next tried phosphoric that brought a better definition and round spots lightly appearing in the fine crystal area. I have stopped for now on this one and will perhaps try again after i've learned more. Any suggestions on better technique or other things that might be productive.

Steve

7th November 2008, 12:44 AM	#2
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	more etching attempts RSword, Your comments caused me try again with ferric chloride that produced the circles you mentioned everywhere, I was pleased to see that when i applied baking soda paste the circles went away. I next tried phosphoric that brought a better definition and round spots lightly appearing in the fine crystal area. I have stopped for now on this one and will perhaps try again after i've learned more. Any suggestions on better technique or other things that might be productive. Steve Attached Images

5th November 2008, 12:30 AM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,089	Woostz can be very difficult to photograph, especially Indian crystalline damascus. I recommend taking the photograph outside in soft light, ie, early morning or in the evening when the sun isn't at its brightest. However, I can see from the pictures provided that the blade on the handle side of the scarf weld is pattern welded. I am noticing little pools and open lines like you see in Indian pattern welds. To the tip side of the scarf weld, it does appear to be very fine(as in low contrast, tight pattern) crystalline damascus woostz. Indian crystalline woostz is often just as you see, a tight pattern with very little visible contrast. You are probably not going to bring out that pattern much more boldly simply because it is not inherent in that form of woostz.