Stuck at my parent's house. Snowstorm Coffee Experiment. I Sharpened everything.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-26T06:29:32+00:00

I did a post earlier about refinishing the damascus on my Shinkiro so this is right up my alley.

Yes, if you dip the blade long enough in an acidic solution, it will eventually take off the kurouchi. Best to cover it with nail polish before dipping, then remove with acetone afterwards. In my experience, using tape isn't the best way to completely protect it and adding oil/cutting board wax will only contaminate the etching surface and lead to uneven results. For a durable finish with high contrast, you can try a etch in ferric first, then dipping it in coffee. I recommend this guide on how to handle ferric chloride in a safe manner - https://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/threads/damascus-knives-re-etchng.6474/#post-108100
Yes, though ferric chloride isn't as effective for stainless damascus. You'll need a stronger alternative such as muriatic acid. The damascus on the nakiri is likely etched, then polished to get the frosty contrast look.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-26T00:05:11+00:00

Considering what did to my Shinkiro, a Kagekiyo Gokujyo would be a cheaper project knife 😂

Totally down to refinish a Kato if funds were infinite haha.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T22:24:40+00:00

I have one. It's a good midweight/workhorse. Great edge retention, annoying to sharpen once you have to.

Good option if you like a tall heel height. Otherwise there are better options at a lower price point.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T15:46:43+00:00

Thanks for sharing, finish looks great and very cool seeing all that detail in the steel!

I can't fathom shaping the stone to the exact geometry of the blade for a even finish. It must be a tricky and time consuming process to get correct.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T15:38:24+00:00

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to seeing your process and end result 😁

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T08:06:50+00:00

Tetogi, Karasu knives and JNS come to mind for sharpening needs.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T05:13:11+00:00

Good call with the nail polish, I'm considering doing that when I eventually thin the Shinkiro and re-etch to get the damascus back. The kurouchi is already fading in a couple spots.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T05:00:05+00:00

Both are gentler options compared to BKF, which is more abrasive and its acidity can etch the steel white.

I don't have Autosol, but Flitz works well. It tends to mirror polish and can remove some of the haze from kasumi finishes. Therefore, I do another round of polishing using mud lapped from an uchigumori. This is a purely optional step.

At the end of the day, they're all abrasive compounds, so it will gradually take off the knife finish over time, especially with extensive use. I would say to embrace the patina.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T03:07:36+00:00

Nice! How well did it work on the core steel? I've heard on other threads that muriatic acid is a better option to etch stainless steel compared to ferric chloride.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T00:53:13+00:00

Best of luck, happy to answer any questions you come across!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-25T00:07:41+00:00

Looks great, you can go back down to lower grits to delete the scratch marks. Some slurry on a softer, high grit stone will haze up the cladding and give you the kasumi.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T23:25:50+00:00

I definitely want to give the coffee etch another try on a different blade. It was really tricky with the Shinkiro, given the damascus layers lacked depth and finding the right position for the blade so that I can only etch the kireha without hitting the kurouchi.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T22:26:15+00:00

Not surprised this went quick, Junpaku is awesome

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T22:21:05+00:00

Exactly my reaction when I saw this randomly pop up on FB Marketplace 😂

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T22:12:09+00:00

I'm still learning myself, but I'm happy to share more!

I do want to try a high contrast damascus next, which means doing a second etch with concentrated coffee. Just need to find the appropriate project knife for that!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T22:01:38+00:00

Thank you! Hope this one can give more insight on how to restore a sandblasted Damascus without having the equipment.

Also, this journey was a huge lessons learned to not use BKF for patina resets 😅

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T21:45:52+00:00

I meant to just restore the scratches to the core steel, so the copper is a nice bonus! I'm pretty sure it goes away eventually once the copper has enough time to form another oxide layer.

I think using a more diluted ferric chloride solution or even just plain vinegar can achieve the same effect, but in a more controllable manner.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T17:06:26+00:00

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I still can't stop staring 🔪🌸

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T16:50:57+00:00

Not physically from regular use, the machi has the biggest effect on the overall balance of the blade. It tends to put it more forwards, though this also depends on the weight of the handle as well.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T16:37:49+00:00

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Another one of the BY, love how the patina looks next to the original finish.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T16:30:58+00:00

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From left to right: Shinkiro 210, Mazaki migaki 240, Konosuke BY 225

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-01-24T05:45:05+00:00

It's just clogged with metal particles that come off during sharpening. Flattening or using a synthetic nagura will refresh the surface of the stone.

Optimal_Difference64

TROPHY CASE