Wootz etching of Indian Katar

[mariusgmioc]

Hello,

I recently got the Katar in the photos. As you can see, there was some rust and no indication of Wootz.

However, after cleaning and polishing it, very fine Wootz pattern became distinctly visible under certain lighting conditions. Moreover, the blade is a singing one as the slightest stroke generates a clear ring.

Unfortunately, all etchant I have now is some old 3% Nital. I tried yesterday etching it and it appears the etchant has insufficient strength as it only darkens a little the blade.

Is it possible that my Nital is too old and lost its strength or did I over-polish the surface (to grit 3000)?!

Any advise would be welcomed!

Regards,

Marius

[Jens Nordlunde]

That is a nice katar Marius - congratulations:-).
I dont know if Nitral could be too old. I doubt it, but I dont know. Maybe if you try something else it will work.
I do love 'singing' katars, they are in a class of their own.
Katars of this type, means they were made of top craftsmen.

[mariusgmioc]

Thank you Jens!

Also the scabbard and the koftgari appear to be the original.

Providing that I will manage to etch it adequately, what would you suggest:

a) to etch the whole blade and leave it etched

b) to etch the blade and polish the tip and edges?!

[Jens Nordlunde]

Marius:-):-)
Every collector has his preference.
I would think, the age of the katar taken into consideration, I would etch the whole blade and polish the edges.
It really is a difficult question, as some would polish/burnish the blade - while others would do nothing of the kind - I for one would not do this.
Jens

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Marius:-):-)
Every collector has his preference.
I would think, the age of the katar taken into consideration, I would etch the whole blade and polish the edges.
It really is a difficult question, as some would polish/burnish the blade - while others would do nothing of the kind - I for one would not do this.
Jens

Thank you Jens and MERRY CHRISTMAS!