Making Damascus

Louis Vaillancourt · Mar 19, 2000

Hy. I'm looking for some info. on the ways to blend steel into damascus.And if possible how can i have acurate documentation on the making of damascus steel.

Ed Caffrey · Mar 19, 2000

Louis,
Not sure just what your asking there, if you can be a little more specific, I'll do my best to help. As to the documentation, I find it helpful to keep a notebook handy when I'm working out a new process in the shop.

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

mciampag · Mar 21, 2000

You may want to check out "Pattern Welded Blade" by Jim Hrisoulas. I haven't read it myself but I've heard good things about the other books in his series.

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-- Mark Ciampalio

Osbourn · Mar 20, 2000

"The pattern-welded blade" is actually an advanced thesis on the subject. For a general overview with basic instructions in simpler terminology, as well as a wealth of other knifemaking info, check out his first book, "The complete bladesmith". Both are available from Paladin press. The least expensive option is surprisingly enough, his videos. $20.00 for three hours of footage, specifically on ladder-pattern damascus. It's also from Paladin.

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Oz

Now, what other news did I have? Oh yes, IT'S A GIRL!!!
See her and my latest blades @
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/

Ed Caffrey · Mar 20, 2000

OK! Now that I read Oz's post I understand where your coming from! I would recommend the Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hirsoulus as a great starting reference for laminated steel. His second book, The Master Bladesmith is also a great information source. Remember to view/read them in order. He makes references back to previous books in the series, and unless you have read them, you'll be lost.
Remember....anything you read or hear is just that, this is not an exact science, and there as many ways to do something as there are knifemakers. Let us know how things work out.

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

Louis Vaillancourt · Mar 20, 2000

Thanks for the info Oz, i will try to find that book.

Originally posted by Osbourn:
"The pattern-welded blade" is actually an advanced thesis on the subject. For a general overview with basic instructions in simpler terminology, as well as a wealth of other knifemaking info, check out his first book, "The complete bladesmith". Both are available from Paladin press. The least expensive option is surprisingly enough, his videos. $20.00 for three hours of footage, specifically on ladder-pattern damascus. It's also from Paladin.

Louis Vaillancourt · Mar 20, 2000

I meant What steel do they blend to make damascus and how do they blend it. Thanks for your interest.

Originally posted by Ed Caffrey:
Louis,
Not sure just what your asking there, if you can be a little more specific, I'll do my best to help. As to the documentation, I find it helpful to keep a notebook handy when I'm working out a new process in the shop.

Louis Vaillancourt · Mar 20, 2000

Oh yes and congradulation for the girl.

Originally posted by Osbourn:
"The pattern-welded blade" is actually an advanced thesis on the subject. For a general overview with basic instructions in simpler terminology, as well as a wealth of other knifemaking info, check out his first book, "The complete bladesmith". Both are available from Paladin press. The least expensive option is surprisingly enough, his videos. $20.00 for three hours of footage, specifically on ladder-pattern damascus. It's also from Paladin.

Louis Vaillancourt · Mar 20, 2000

Thank you.

Originally posted by Ed Caffrey:
OK! Now that I read Oz's post I understand where your coming from! I would recommend the Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hirsoulus as a great starting reference for laminated steel. His second book, The Master Bladesmith is also a great information source. Remember to view/read them in order. He makes references back to previous books in the series, and unless you have read them, you'll be lost.
Remember....anything you read or hear is just that, this is not an exact science, and there as many ways to do something as there are knifemakers. Let us know how things work out.