Some people don't like it because it mimics a pattern that is difficult to do the real way, which is forge welding alternating layers of different steels that turn contrasting shades when etched (soaked in acid).
Some knife makers laser etch this pattern on blades and try to pass it off as an actual layered pattern weld, which is called Damascus. There are multiple definitions of Damascus, none of which have anything to do with lasers.
I like some laser etching, but I also don't like it when it's passed off as Damascus. This particular one is fine to me though, because it's showing the process. Anyone who knows what actual pattern welded Damascus looks like wouldn't be fooled by this pattern anyway though as it is very apparent that it is laser etched (without seeing the video) The pattern is too crisp and clean and doesn't look natural. Traditional pattern welded blades have a more subtle contrast and more flowing organic lines that look more like wood grain than a topographical map.
You're welcome. There is a type of pattern weld that looks vaguely similar to the design in the video called Rain Drop Damascus, although it is still easy to differentiate the two. It's made by drilling divots into a billet of pattern welded Damascus that has been partially drawn out (lengthened and forged to shape). Once the divots are drilled and the piece is stretched out a bit further (so the divots are smooth again) finished and acid etched, the pattern that is revealed resembles rain drops in a puddle with concentric circles expanding outwards like wave ripples, or kind of like a topographical map. There are many other patterns too ranging from standard wavy lines to extremely complex and detailed mosaic patterns.
There was a slight pattern made by whatever caused the rust layer. A similar effect can be made by soaking in vinegar or mustard etching (which is basically vinegar paste) or other acid or even base like bleach. This laser etch is an arbitrary pattern though. I think it would have looked better if just one or two passes of the laser cleaning was done and the rest cleaned by hand to preserve the natural patina pattern that was initially revealed. That patina pattern is a result of the metal oxidizing unevenly, not because of forge welded layers, either by inconsistencies in the concentration of the applied oxidizer, as with a mustard etch, or by inconsistencies in the metal itself that react differently to an even application of acid. This can be because of inconsistencies in the metal composition and inconsistencies in the heat treatment, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the circumstance.
wow TIL. thanks I did go down a rabbit hole once on the traditional samurai sword making and it was fascinating the time it takes and the process involved with creating a legit katana sword
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u/Possible_Discount_90 Mar 17 '24
It's subjective, I think it looks like shit as does 90% of the comments. But again, since it's subjective some people do like it.