Are these steels good for Damascus?

Chris Crawford

Chris Crawford

Joined
Apr 14, 2001
Messages
380
Here are the combos I'm thinking of:

1095 and 1070
1095 and 1010
1095 and A-2

Which have you tried, and which make the best looking damascus?

Also, is A-2 and A-203 E the same steel?

Thanks -chris
 
The first two steels you listed would weld together but you wouldn't get any contrast in the finished blade. One of the two steels in the billet should have some nickle or crom. as an alloy.

As for welding 1095 and A2 I don't know. Even if you could get the two steels welded the heat treating for each is very different.

1084 and L6 or 1084 and 15N20 are the two most widely used steels in makeing damascus.

In any case you need to stay with two steels that are heat treated similar. And you need the nickle or crom. to get the contrast.

There are several dirrerent combinations of steels that are used to make damascus but the ones mentioned above are the easiest. Well easiest for me anyway.
 
Chris,If you are needing something to contrast with the 1095 just come up and visit one day and I will give you a few bars that will work.
Bruce
 
L-6 or 5160 either one will contrast out nicely...The L-6 comes out shinier than the 5160 and welds easier...
Bruce
 
Thanks Bruce. I would like to come up again sometime soon. Things have slowed down a little for me so I have more time on my hands than I usually do. -chris
 
Any time Chris,Just give me a call...
How is the Power Hammer running ?
I got the new motor Gouge sent me pounted on mune today,and it runs great.
FINALLY.....Yea,I can work on some Damascus.
Bruce
 
Thanks Bruce. The hammer is running great. However, I have a bit to learn about making damascus. I can't seem to get my layers to all weld together. Mr McMinn came overtoday to look at my setup and give me some pointer. I believe it will really help on my next try. I built a cage over the front of the hammer. Here is a picture of the hammer along with the post vice. The post vice works so much better than the little red vice I was using. Thanks -chris

hammer_cage.JPG


post_vice.JPG


.
 
Looks good Chris
If you still have trouble with the Damascus just come up and I will let you make some in my forge and see if we can figure out what is wrong.
Bruce
 
*various grumbles about power hammers*
darn it, why cant santa bring me one of those?!?!?

D.
 
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