Does anyone have a proven method of etching unhardened stainless damascus? I have tried a 10:1 nitric solution, and various concentrations of ferric chloride, but cant seem to get good depth or contrast. Any help would be appreciated, thanks,Don
ps- My web site is being updated --www.Bellknives.com

With hardened Damasteel, a HCl works well, may work with unhardened to.

Stainless Damascus . Try the muriatic. seems to work great for me.
Steve

Thanks Guys, The sulphuric ( muriatic ) acid did the trick. I used a 2:1 concentration and did 5 min. etches with baking soda scrub in between .This gave a nice crisp pattern and looked great after rubbing with 1000 and then 4000 grit paper.
regards, Don

Ok, Donald. I'd like to see the result. Sounds great! How about posting a picture... :)

Roger

(Especially since I use Muratic and Nitric for my etchings.)
My site: http://www.aliensphere.com/knives