John, I make damascus knives. If it were me, I'd take some 220 grit wet dry paper, dip it in water and clean it up. Then dip it in feric chloride [ from Radio Shack ]. Cut it about 50/50 with water. Hold it in for a minute, pull it out and check it. It may take a dip or two. When satisfided use some baking soda/water paste to neutralize the acid etch. Some will then use a blueing - it's something you'll have to play with. The whole blade may get blued and if you don't like it try hitting the high spots with maybe some 400 or 600 grit dry. You'll need a backer so it doesn't go down in the low spots. If you mess it up, start over. Or you can do without the blue if you like it. Hope this helps - Paul
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Paul Harm
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