There could be different opinions out there but I've been using a saturated solution for both applications for the past 11 years. Etching logo's would take about 3-5 minutes while etching a damascus blade normally takes anything from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the composition of the blade.
Sorry to hear about about your ordeal Eric. I hope your little buddy is okay. Some drivers should be driven over.!
Just a word of caution regarding dogs in shock. They ALWAYS bite if you handle them.
I am owned by three Daschunds. Two weeks ago my GSD @@@@@ grabbed one of the little females out...
Basically the same as Frank and AR. New belts from course to fine on the left, used belts from course to fine on the right.
I'll be moving shop before the end of the year and I must say Bruce's cabinet sounds like a great idea for cleaner storage.
You could also rough it up with a burr in the Dremel (of course without damaging the scales), sand blast after covering up the blade and handle material and then lightly buff the high spots.