How does one get this type of pattern?

[montana guy]

I am curious as to how I could get this pattern or one similar? Is it in the grind pattern or how it is folded or???

Thanks in advance.
Ronnie

 

[Edro20]

Damascus is made of dissimilar steels and forged (many different techniques) to create the pattern. The steel is etched to develop the contrast between the two steels.

 

[montana guy]

Damascus is made of dissimilar steels and forged (many different techniques) to create the pattern. The steel is etched to develop the contrast between the two steels.

I know that part, what I do not know is how to get that kind of control over a pattern. Should have made my question more clear, sorry about that.

 

[Edro20]

I know that part, what I do not know is how to get that kind of control over a pattern. Should have made my question more clear, sorry about that.

Gotcha, your question is now over my head so to speak. There are makers that use hydraulic presses and use dies to create some patterns. Sorry that's as in depth as I can get. I'm sure one of the damascus makers will be along. Sorry I wasn't much help.

 

[montana guy]

Gotcha, your question is now over my head so to speak. There are makers that use hydraulic presses and use dies to create some patterns. Sorry that's as in depth as I can get. I'm sure one of the damascus makers will be along. Sorry I wasn't much help.

No problem, thanks for trying to help. I look at those types of knives and I am more or less lost on how they do it.

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

The pattern is called a ladder pattern. It is created by pressing in the pattern using dies in a press made of either round rods or gear teeth (rack). It can also be cut in with a band saw or grinder or cut with a mill.

 

[delbert ealy]

The pattern is called a ladder pattern. It is created by pressing in the pattern using dies in a press made of either round rods or gear teeth (rack). It can also be cut in with a band saw or grinder or cut with a mill.

+1
Del

 

[zerogee]

Here is a very clear WIP of making a damascus sword, beginning with making the damascus steel from scratch (a twist pattern rather than a ladder pattern):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620581&highlight=wip
Even I could understand exactly what was being done and why, so you shouldn't have any problem.

Here is another excellent one for making feathered W pattern damascus: http://www.kevincaseycustomknives.com/process/68/feathered-w-pattern-tutorial.html

 

[delbert ealy]

I know that part, what I do not know is how to get that kind of control over a pattern. Should have made my question more clear, sorry about that.

Assuming that blade is 3/16' thick, the the pattern starts with 20 layers of two compatable steel, which are then folded three times giving 160 layers. the bar is the forged into a laddering die which creates rungs which are then ground away. Alternately, the rungs can be created by milling in the rungs and then forging the bar flat. Either method brings up the edges of the layers from deeper inside the bar. Think of it a bit like a topograhpical map, with valleys and ridges shown with lines. The way the bevels are ground also affects this type of pattern.
Thanks,
Del

 

[Frank Niro]

I sure like that knife !!!!!!!!! Frank

 

[montana guy]

Thanks for the help, those links are good ones

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Good to see someone from Butte.

There are some excellent work-in-progress threads that crop up on this website (usually in the Custom and Handmade forum). Some of the makers describe in great detail the steps that go into making a knife. I suggest you keep an eye over there for anything interesting.

Phillip

 

[Josh K]

I'm more interested in the amazing mosaic patterns some makers produce. I'm sure that's more of a trade secret though.

 

[patternweld]

I've seen you Butte guys on here a few times, now, and I have been meaning to say hi. My name is Bob Bizzell. I'm a Butte resident, an MKA member and have been known to mash some steel on occasion. ;-) If I can be of any help figuring out a pattern or if you just want to talk knives, shoot me an email and we can get together!

Patternweld@yahoo.com

 

[Gene Martin]

I'm more interested in the amazing mosaic patterns some makers produce. I'm sure that's more of a trade secret though.

You'll find very few secrets in the knife world. A few makers think they have them, but it isn't generally so. Ask a maker how he came up with a pattern and most will be delighted to tell you.

The big thingh is translating the knowledge into practice. Upsetting a billet can be described, but the first several tries may be less than successful. It's a matter of persistance and attention to detail. And letting the billet soak at temp.

A common failure by those learning damascus and intricate patterns are due to impatience.

Check out Jim Hrisoulas' books, the Master Bladesmith and The Pattern Welded Blade.

Gene

 

[montana guy]

Thanks again for more great information and glad to see a few more people in Butte. I know there are a few blacksmiths and a few knife makers here and I hope to meet you all.

 

[delbert ealy]

You'll find very few secrets in the knife world. A few makers think they have them, but it isn't generally so. Ask a maker how he came up with a pattern and most will be delighted to tell you.

The big thingh is translating the knowledge into practice. Upsetting a billet can be described, but the first several tries may be less than successful. It's a matter of persistance and attention to detail. And letting the billet soak at temp.

A common failure by those learning damascus and intricate patterns are due to impatience.

Check out Jim Hrisoulas' books, the Master Bladesmith and The Pattern Welded Blade.

Gene

Very true Gene Very true.
Del