Middle Eastern Mystery Dagger #2 - Bird Head

NovelsRus · 12th October 2013, 07:01 PM

Hi, all,

Recently asked about a rather dodgy khanjar on ebay, re the actual blade steel (since I couldn't see anything like a Wootz or Damascus pattern). The blade appeared to have been burnished or worn smooth, and looked to me like plain, old steel.

Seller said, "If you don't acid etch the blade the pattern will never appear on any damascus."

First thought? Rubbish! Damascus should show through regardless of "acid etching." Methinks this chap is the one doing the "acid" etching, and is plainly tripping out.

Wot say ye, all? Is the seller full of codswallop, or is there any legitimacy to his hallucinogenic, acid-induced ravings?

Rick · 12th October 2013, 07:32 PM

Well, I see a cold shut in your second photo ....

RSWORD · 12th October 2013, 10:07 PM

Actually, that statement is not rubbish. I have owned many a blade that the pattern was obscured from patina, rust, or even had been polished bright and after a polish and etch the pattern appeared. A good way to illustrate this is to loo at a wootz blade with an ill fitting scabbard. The scabbard will wear on the blade enough to obscure the pattern. If you polish this area and then etch it the pattern will return. Just don't store it back in the scabbard!

NovelsRus · 12th October 2013, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWORD

...I have owned many a blade that the pattern was obscured from patina, rust, or even had been polished bright and after a polish and etch the pattern appeared. A good way to illustrate this is to look at a wootz blade with an ill-fitting scabbard. The scabbard will wear on the blade enough to obscure the pattern. If you polish this area and then etch it the pattern will return. Just don't store it back in the scabbard!

You know, that's pretty good advice, RSWORD. Before I start hurling comments about others doing acid, perhaps I should learn more about aged wootz and various obscurations it can undergo.

I still think this seller is tripping, tho. Can anyone spot anything like a Damascus or wootz pattern anywhere on that blade? I have some acid etching solution at home, maybe I should just buy the thing, etch the hell out of it, drop a few hits of acid and wait and see? Sounds good!

NovelsRus · 12th October 2013, 10:42 PM

Hey, Rick, could that mean this thing was forge or pattern welded?
Not a true Damascus but a would be?

Thx!
jf

Rick · 13th October 2013, 04:17 AM

'Damascus' is a pretty loose term these days .

A cold shut is probably rarer to see in wootz than in a pattern welded blade .

12th October 2013, 07:01 PM	#1
NovelsRus Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 41	Damascus pattern and acid etching/ Hi, all, Recently asked about a rather dodgy khanjar on ebay, re the actual blade steel (since I couldn't see anything like a Wootz or Damascus pattern). The blade appeared to have been burnished or worn smooth, and looked to me like plain, old steel. Seller said, "If you don't acid etch the blade the pattern will never appear on any damascus." First thought? Rubbish! Damascus should show through regardless of "acid etching." Methinks this chap is the one doing the "acid" etching, and is plainly tripping out. Wot say ye, all? Is the seller full of codswallop, or is there any legitimacy to his hallucinogenic, acid-induced ravings? Last edited by Rick; 13th October 2013 at 03:09 AM. Reason: active auction

12th October 2013, 10:42 PM	#5
NovelsRus Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 41	Cold shut Hey, Rick, could that mean this thing was forge or pattern welded? Not a true Damascus but a would be? Thx! jf

12th October 2013, 07:32 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Well, I see a cold shut in your second photo ....

12th October 2013, 10:07 PM	#3
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	Actually, that statement is not rubbish. I have owned many a blade that the pattern was obscured from patina, rust, or even had been polished bright and after a polish and etch the pattern appeared. A good way to illustrate this is to loo at a wootz blade with an ill fitting scabbard. The scabbard will wear on the blade enough to obscure the pattern. If you polish this area and then etch it the pattern will return. Just don't store it back in the scabbard!

13th October 2013, 04:17 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	'Damascus' is a pretty loose term these days . A cold shut is probably rarer to see in wootz than in a pattern welded blade .