I tried the search function but, clearly my search-fu is weak. So here goes.

I have a hector cole pattern-welded knife that has spent the best part of 18 months in storage (I moved to Canada, my stuff has taken a while to catch up with me), I pulled it out yesterday (to work out how to make a scabbard) and is a little 'dull', all the detail in the welds are difficult to pick out, i'd like to fix that.

So question to the forum is, how do I pick out the weld lines and any advice on polishing it (I don't have a buffing wheel)?

It does have a handle attached (antler, very carved) and as the tang is peened over it's not coming off, so anything that is going to hurt the handle is right out.

Thx
N

There are several things you may be able to do to bring out the pattern again.

I would first recommend contacting the maker. Many makers will do what I do, and clean, sharpen, or polish a blade for a customer for no more than shipping. The Maker may also have a method that they recommend for your blade.

If you are interested in continuing, proceed with caution.

I would start by taping off the guard with blue or green masking tape to avoid scratching it. then claen the blade with 600 grit sandpaper, or a grey scotchbrite pad, or a rust-eraser(klingspor flex-sand block) Try to make all the passes lengthwise to keep random scratches to a minimum. Once the blade is polished again, remove the masking tape from the guard. Mask off the base of the blade and then cover the guard with clear nail polish. This will act as a stop for the etchant. Remove the blade masking tape and clean the blade with rubbing alcohol to remove all oils and fingerprints. Then apply an etchant.

Many makers use Ferric Chloride as an etchant, but other etchants that will work are muriactic acid, vinegar(warm it for a better result), pHMinus, and CLR. Dip the blade in the etchant for 2-5 minutes, take it out, rinse it in water and lightly sand it with the 600 grit paper or rust eraser. Repeat several times until the level of depth and contrast you are looking for is achieved.

Another etchant that works well but is harder to find is Stainless Steel Pickling paste. Brush it on evenly instead of dipping, and use three or four cycles. I use this when working on blades that have handles on, as it is easy to control.

Make sure that when you have the etch you want, clean the blade with baking soda to neutralize the acid, and then oil or wax the blade to preserve it.

Good luck

A picture of the blade in question might help suggestion. Personally. I would not approach the matter by diving into re-etching the pattern. If the appearance has simply appeared to be duller, try just cleaning the blade and add a quick wipe of light oil. Knowing how the maker supplied it to you may make a difference as well. If the surface was finished with a wax (even Ren wax) or a polish that left residue, that may be why it seems duller over time. I have seen some pretty stark differences in appearances from the same maker and that is often a matter of what the final polish was. Some are of such high contrast that a very smooth/fine polish still reveals every layer.

Cheers

GC

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'll reach out to the maker see if there are any specific suggestions. If not then vinegar seems the most available route for re-etching.

Thx
N.