to Bruce B. and others, Demascus question

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Riley White

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Feb 14, 2004
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I have never made Damascus all by myself. The forge heat, metal preparation, fluxing, and I believe I understand. My question is how well 52100 and either 5160 or 1095 would weld together. I’m leaning toward 52100 and 5160. Please comment on the blend ability of these steels and etc.
 
Riley, they will all weld together but I would stick with the 5160 and 52100 plus a little mild steel for now.

IMHO the results are better until you get some experience.
 
I agree with Peter and add that for an easier mix just use the proven 1084/15n20 or 5160/L6 . There should be more color contrast in these mixes also. Bill Moran used O-1 and 1018 for years but lost some carbon to the 1018. I like to use both carbon steels and throw some pure nickel in for high contrast. Why not try them all in due time and draw your own conclusions. Be sure to do some performance testing and record the formulas and results. Keep good records of your heat-treating data, its very valuable info for consistant results. Let us know what you decide.
 
I have only used C1095, 15N20, and Pure Nickel. I am a newbie and have had some pretty good results.

I have also practiced with just forge welding low carbon steels together. I found low carbon welding to be harder to do than the high carbon stuff. I do believe the lower the carbon content, the higher the forge welding temp needs to be to get good results.

If you need help finding 1095/1084/1080 and 15N20, try calling Kelly Couples (509-728-0057). He is great to deal with and has good prices.
 
Thank you all. I will get some L6 and try it. But for now, (not wanting to sound dense or stubborn) if I were to weld the 5160 and 52100 what would I come across. I intend to weld with six pieces to start with, and they will be 1 ½” by 1 ½” By ¼” making a 1 ½” cube that will be cleaned and arc welded at either end (not all around) and of course well fluxed. Would such a small piece be easier and should I start with four pieces of steel instead of six?
 
Check the new member ,Ariel, on the custom knife forum. That's a nice way to make damascus.
 
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