Message #476420

[Lance]

Yes, you have to acid etch them to make the grain stand out. The acid removes and oxidizes the top layer of steel but does not affect the nickel in the Damascus. The longer you leave it in the etchant solution the deeper the grain in the blade will be. You can also bring out the grain with cold gun bluing but it will not etch the blade and will rub off with wear just like a gun barrel.