I own an antique hunting dirk with a blued design on its steel blade. Some unknown enlightened soul saw fit to slap varnish all over it probably to protect it. How do I
Remove the varnish without damaging the design? :) Thank you for your help.

All the best,

Boyard

Ace the Almighty Hardware store has some good advice on removing varnish from furniture. I think it will also generally work for you.

Removing Paint Varnish (http://www.acehardware.com/sm-removing-old-paint-and-varnish--bg-1284545.html)

Look down toward Step #3, and skim the bullets for what applies to your particular situation. I think a soft scrub brush (maybe the back of a Brillo pad, or something similar), will help you to remove some of it without removing the design.

Also if you use chemicals, read up on certain brands (on labels and on the internet) to see if it corrodes any types of metal. If so, obviously stay away :)

I wish you good luck in removing the good intentions of this "enlightened" person.

Thank you very much indeed, I really appreciate it :)

Best wishes,

Boyard