Damascus custom gladius sword & dagger - stainless steel vs 5160 spring?

A

agoutihead

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May 5, 2007
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So I would like to have a real, high end custom forged & carved art damascus gladius sword & dagger made.

I found http://www.andreandersson.com/ and absolutely love his style of damascus & carvings he does on his work - this is the style I am looking for I think, but also open to other options. Something really ornate, without being too gaudy.

Something along these lines: http://www.andreandersson.com/?page_id=288#foobox-1/18/vigrid_sword_knife.jpg

I believe he actually used Uddeholm 15N20 and 15LM - which I'm not familiar with or know how it compares to SS or 5160.

I would normally opt for a 5160 steel material since this material is one of the better for real swords, but not sure if it falls into the damascus realm?

I know Devin Thomas makes some of the best damascus around and he uses a lot of stainless steel damascus.

So how would a SS damascus compare to a 5160 damascus or similar style spring steel for a real sword?

I would obviously take the advice of the blacksmith, but curious as how a SS vs 5160 damascus sword choice would be better (or perhaps an even different kind of material for a sword)
 
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Are you going to cut with it? And what is more important function or aesthetics?.The maker you linked to uses very functional materials and has fantastic fit and finish with an artistic flair, but this level of finish will be destroyed or at least compromised by any kind of use that would require a steel like 5160 IMO.
Stainless damascus will look cool and be quite hard with good edge holding where as 5160 or carbon damascus properly heat treated will be much more resistant to impacts and flexing associated with sword use
 
Well I don't plan on chopping with it persay, but I would like it to be a real, functional sword.

So keeping that in mind and aesthics at the top of the list, 5160 is out the window.

I've emailed AA about this to see what he says. I know at one point he was using Uddeholm 15N20, which apparently is fantastic metal for a functional Damascus, but I read a post from a few years ago that Uddeholm was stopping the manufactuer of 15N20 so I don't know what he's been suing if that's the case, but I would assume a smith of his quality wouldn't settle for anything less than amazing for fit, finish & function.
 
Two steels ,with similar HT, different reacton to etching ? The best carbon steel mix is 1084/15N20 .A very common and excellent mix !!

For stainless , stick to all stainless damascus such as that of Devin's !
 
andre andersson's sword will be upwards of $5,000, and likely closer to $10,000. the amount of smelting, folding, drawing out, etc. to get that level of detail in the damascus pattern takes YEARS of experience, alot of time, and alot of steel - all of which you will pay for...

SALEM STROUD, who's been on fire and iron show, competing - and who has made a very high quality damascus blade sword, might be an option...look him up through g...

jzs
 
15n20 is very available. Every supplier sells it. 15n20 is similar to L6. A very tough steel and is excellent for sword app,I cations. It takes a very fine edge too.
 
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What is your budget? I'm not asking for me, this project is beyond me at this time, but unless you are thinking multiple thousands, you won't get what you are looking for.
 
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