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Joined: Feb 2005
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Here is another question for those who know:
Was the crossgraining put on blades before the acid etch, or after?
Please advise and justification.
Thanks in advance,
Johnny V.


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Hello Johnny V,

To answer your question, I think it has to be that the cross-graining was effected after the etching.

The reason for this supposition is simply that once the dagger blade had been etched, it was neutralised (the acid diminished with alkaline)
and then it was washed (to clear away all residual traces), and then finally it was polished - at which point the fine cross-graining on the blade appears.

FJS

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Sorry, I have to disagree in this case. IMO and what I could observe any etchings were applied after any crossgraining. There are several reasons for my opinion: IF the crossgraining would have been applied AFTER the etching it would be traceable at the very sharp edges of the etchings. Or within the surface of a wider etching. You need a good magnifying glass to do these investigations. When you carefully look at it your even can "see" and "feel" how the acid bites through the crossgrain Wink.
Also from time to time you can find traces of sloppy etchings (small residues or drops around) and these are NOT polished away by any crossgraining but stay "on" the crossgraining.


wotan, gd.c-b#105

"Never look for sqare eggs" as a late owner of an original FHH-dagger used to say.
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The grossgrain had to be on first ,its a result of a step in the polishing of unplated blades.I'm sure if the manufacturer could have prevented the crossgrain he would have. If crossgraining was a wanted look they would have done that to plated blades too.

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Sorry, I have to -now partially- disagree again. The socalled "crossgraining", in german "pliestern", is a DESIRED effect done by a specially trained craftsman, the "Pliester". Done AFTER the polishing of the blade. The pliestern gives the blade the so much desired "diamond effect". Although the plating seems to be the more expensive finish (because of the necessity of special components and devices), a pliestered blade is a much much more appealing sight than a plated one.
Concerning ornamental etched blade (like bayonets and the well known VOOS dagger blades) the plating should prevent the blade from getting dirty too easy which would cause rust. Pliestern never protects from rust but, as said, has the much better look.
Thus way I have been once explained by a professional knifemaker.
Personally I could observe (what all other collectors could do also) that the most prominent and most skilful manufacturers (eg. EICKHORN, H�RSTER, H�LLER WEYERSBERG, ALCOSO and much much more) ALWAYS have pliestered their dagger blades and these firms who are well known for inferior daggers (like KLAAS) did plate their blades. What I also could observe that the early (quality) blades of those firms also were pliestered and only the later ones were plated due to the faster process.
At the time I have spoken with the professional knifemaker, we did not speak about the sabre blades which always seem to be plated. Contrary to dagger blades.
Finally, I think it would not be possible to "crossgrain" /pliester a plated blade. Pliestern is an abrasive process carrying the danger to come through the thin plating which would cause an extremely ugly look and therefore a demolished blade.


wotan, gd.c-b#105

"Never look for sqare eggs" as a late owner of an original FHH-dagger used to say.
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Wotan, thats interesting..I always thought I was right about the effects of buffing but I always thought it looked desireable but it wasnt a wanted thing.I also agree that of all the blades I have ,the crossgrained are the most desireable. Thanks for the education! Thats what the forums are all about REGARDS. TIEP Wink

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Yes, thanks Wotan, (and the rest). Just the answer I was looking for!


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