The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

[Larrin]

Through interviews with 15+ knifemakers and Damascus steel producers I was able to put together a history of the introduction of powder metals to pattern-welded Damascus steel. This was a particularly influential period in terms of mosaic Damascus pattern development and it was fun to talk to these legendary Damascus makers about the process of pushing the envelope with new techniques. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/08/19/the-history-of-powder-metals-in-damascus-steel/

 

[evilgreg]

Through interviews with 15+ knifemakers and Damascus steel producers I was able to put together a history of the introduction of powder metals to pattern-welded Damascus steel. This was a particularly influential period in terms of mosaic Damascus pattern development and it was fun to talk to these legendary Damascus makers about the process of pushing the envelope with new techniques. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/08/19/the-history-of-powder-metals-in-damascus-steel/

Great read, thanks!

 

[22-rimfire]

Excellent and informative about Damascus steel used in knives.

 

[jbmonkey]

good read Sir. an interesting, to me, topic. thank you.

 

[tiguy7]

View attachment 1181699 Great writeup. Here is a picture of the tip of a Wootz Damascus blade forged by Al Pendray. I think it needs a better etch.

 

[22-rimfire]

Are damascus steels generally considered better these days than regular steel or just different? My general feeling is they are much more basic and done more for art than use, but I have no factual basis to back that up.

 

[Larrin]

Are damascus steels generally considered better these days than regular steel or just different? My general feeling is they are much more basic and done more for art than use, but I have no factual basis to back that up.

I think that is somewhat debatable. There are potentially interesting combinations of properties that can be obtained by having a composite of two or more steels. I don't know if anyone has really demonstrated a performance advantage from a specific steel combination or pattern type, however. There are many claims out there, of course. The most common steel combination is 1804/15N20 which are low alloy steels and will behave as such when made correctly. There are more exotic combinations, however, such as Damasteel with PMC27 and RWL-34. I have some information on edge retention of Damascus steel here: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/07/30/five-myths-about-damascus-steel/

 

[buckfynn]

Thank, very interesting.

 

[abcdef]

I feel like I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[Larrin]

Thank, very interesting.

You’re welcome!

 

[FiveToes]

I think that is somewhat debatable. There are potentially interesting combinations of properties that can be obtained by having a composite of two or more steels. I don't know if anyone has really demonstrated a performance advantage from a specific steel combination or pattern type, however. There are many claims out there, of course. The most common steel combination is 1804/15N20 which are low alloy steels and will behave as such when made correctly. There are more exotic combinations, however, such as Damasteel with PMC27 and RWL-34. I have some information on edge retention of Damascus steel here: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/08/19/the-history-of-powder-metals-in-damascus-steel/

What's your take on grain structure in relation to cutting capabilities in Damascus? I know there are many flavors and the grains do different things, even in billets of the same style. Overall, how does irregular grain structure affect cutting?

 

[Larrin]

What's your take on grain structure in relation to cutting capabilities in Damascus? I know there are many flavors and the grains do different things, even in billets of the same style. Overall, how does irregular grain structure affect cutting?

We did an edge retention test on Damascus steel made with steels of different carbide structures: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/07/30/five-myths-about-damascus-steel/

 

[22-rimfire]

Damascus blades certainly appeal to the knife-nut me. But I resist even sharpening or using one of them to the point now I won't buy one. I know what happens with Damascus blades if I buy one..... just more knives for the pile. That's why I asked earlier in the thread about edge retention and so forth. I want to be convinced that they are at least as good as other steels.

I know the custom guys probably do some amazing things with Damascus, but what about Alabama damascus?

 

[Larrin]

Damascus blades certainly appeal to the knife-nut me. But I resist even sharpening or using one of them to the point now I won't buy one. I know what happens with Damascus blades if I buy one..... just more knives for the pile. That's why I asked earlier in the thread about edge retention and so forth. I want to be convinced that they are at least as good as other steels.

The good ones are just as good as other steels.

I know the custom guys probably do some amazing things with Damascus, but what about Alabama damascus?

It's probably best that I do not review the different Damascus suppliers given who my father is.