[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Montino Bourbon

I just returned from a trip to Jaipur, India, where I saw quite a few well made daggers. Some of you may be familiar with the Damascus pattern that they're using for reproduction of antique daggers, mostly dense small dots and concentric rings. I had a very difficult time finding anything old, especially wootz. finally my tuk tuk driver said that he knew a place that had “old” things. I told him, explaining with photographic examples from my iPad, that I knew the difference between “real” old and “new” old, and that I would walk out laughing if they trird to pass off some of the new stuff on me. He brought me to a very large emporium, where a gentleman stood in front of a large display of the obviously “new” antiques. When I asked him to show me something old, he took down on old, battered looking dagger that was the same new material as all the rest. I laughed and started to walk out. “Wait, Sahib, I just wanted to make sure.” He said, then took me upstairs to the “back room”, where I was delighted to see about a dozen nice pieces of wootz, among other antiques. one of these pieces, This small knife/dagger, I liked a lot. Upon examination, I noticed a clear wootz pattern, not very visible in these photographs, and bought it immediately.

I have not tried to etch this blade, especially since reading some of the “restoration” threads. the pattern is absolutely plainly visible in sunlight. Any suggestions? Comments? If somebody can tell me more about this piece, I would greatly appreciate it.

Salaams Montino Bourbon ~ Nice story and a familiar one to many who have trod the same or similar path...I think they term wootz as Johar in India..I note from forum library the two distinct types of wootz. You could try polishing the blade (etching) with vinegar rather than plunging in with strong acid.Hot vinegar is quite agressive...so be advised. Then clean it off in hot water and soap..and with a 00 grade paper bring up the grain..see what it looks like...Regards Ibrahiim al Balooshi.