Damascus and Pattern Welded Steel

[lorsban]

Hi guys,

I was hoping if someone could help me out. I'm curious about damascus and pattern steel knives. What I know is that there are two or more different types of steel used and that these are welded together to form a pack, which is then forged, elongated, and then folded, doubling the layers. This is done repeatedly until the desired amount of layers is attained. Is this correct?

What I'm confused over is, once you're done with the forging/layering process and you have your steel to form into a blade or to make your knife from, why is it that I still see some knives that don't have matching patterns on both sides? For example, one side of the blade has a more regular pattern with waves near the edge and on the other, the "waves" are sort of sandwiched between irregular/circular patterns? Why is it like this if you're using the same piece of steel? Shouldn't the "grain" continue to the other side?

Next, how come some knives don't have very clear lines and almost look tarnished and with little black dots going along the lines? Is this normal?

Thing is the only damascus/pattern steel knives I see are in magazines or online and they're all sort of "perfect" (except again for a few exceptions) where both sides of the blade are more or less with the same pattern, and also where the lines have a very clear contrast.

I'm looking at some knives from Bear and Son and their prices are pretty reasonable but again, I want to know more before I buy.

Thanks for your help!

lorsban

 

[Phillip Dobson]

An important thing to know is that most damascus isn't "folded". It is cut and re-welded. This allows for greater control of the final pattern. Almost any pattern you can make with two colors of play-dough could be made in steel.

Here's a thread that might tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the making of a damascus knife (the incredible Kyle Royer ring-guard bowie): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=672722&highlight=kyle+royer

You're right, the Bear and Son's blades don't look very high contrast. My guess is that it's a combination of the alloys used and the blade prep before etching. Good steel prep is important for a high-contrast etch.

 

[lorsban]

Oh ok, I see. Cause I saw some Japanese katanas being made by folding the same steel on itself over and over. I thought damascus was the same. Anyway, great info there in the link you gave!

Thanks and regards,

lorsban

PS.

My Bear and Son knife just arrived. It's actually still striking even if the contrast isn't as prevalent. I'll post some pics soon.