Damascus patterns

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
140
Can someone briefly explain how different damascus patterns such as raindrops, checks etc. can be intentionally made. If Damascus involves layering different steels, I don't understand how these shapes are made.

Thanks.

-Fred
 
The patterns can be intentionaly with simple tools, actually. Rainbow patterns are made by drilling the surface of the billet, then forged flat again. Ladder pattern is made by filing or cutting ridges into the billet and then forged flat. There are also dies that can be purchased that will accomplish the same. There is a set of patterns that are called mosaic, which as far as I know are created by a jig saw puzzle method, hard to explain but I'm sure some one can do it here, a wealth of information to be had. Hope this helped a bit. Kisu
 
Actually, that was really helpful. I've been trying to find a book or something to tell me what I got in no time with your answer.

One follow-up: Why isn't the pattern lost with folding (isn't damascus steel folded in a manner similar to Samurai blades?)?

-Fred
 
You are right about the folding, you fold it, twist it, fold it again to your hearts content, after that, is when you put in your pattern. If I happen to remember the name and author of a book I once read I'll pass it along. It was something like "A Treatsie on Damascus" I'll let you know. Kisu
 
Or get Jim's video. Builds a damascus dagger from start to finish. I heard that the cost for the vid has come down a lot.

Dan
 
Yes you can get it for 19.95 that is two tapes. the best place to get them is
http://www.paladin-press.com/
amazon.com has them a little cheaper but there is a 4-6 week wait at paladin you will get them in a week

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-Greg Johnson
ICQ#4236341

 
Fred,
Maybe just a simple answer, from a simple person ;-)
Raindrop or ladder pattern: Drill holes or otherwise cut grooves through layers of damascus that has already been folded the number of times you wish. Forge again to force the layers that have been exposed to the surface.
Twist: forge layers, twist bar, then forge flat again.

Mosaic. Basically patterns cut to shape then welded together, or welded into the face of a damascus bar. I've seen some mosaic work where the pattern goes clear through the blade, while others have a different pattern on the right and left hand side.

The basic idea with these patterns is that the folding and forging has already been done to create layers. After that you are only forging one more time, but not folding anything....just heating it enough to pound the bar flat and smooth.

madpoet
 
Madpoet,

Isn't that what I said?
wink.gif


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KSwinamer
 
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