3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
Damascus Steel – A Beginner’s Guide
Twitter Facebook Google+ Pinterest Email Reddit
Readers of our Knife Steel Guide often ask me about
Damascus Steel. This attractive yet mysterious steel has
captured the imagination of many so I’ll do my best to
explain what it is and how it’s made.
The word “Damascus” goes back to medieval western
cultures and refers to an earlier style of craftsmanship that
rst emerged in India around 300 B.C. This craftsmanship
was proli c at the time, and was likely named for the
region that made it famous.
Around that time, Arab culture introduced Wootz steel to the Syrian city of Damascus where the material led to a thriving
industry in weaponry. Damascus imported Wootz steel from Persia and Sri Lanka for the production and utility of hybrid
steel blades known for their toughness. Apparently, the minds behind this technological development understood how
combining various metals would create weapons of increased strength over those made of pure steel.
Kershaw 1760DAM Damascus Skyline Linerlock Knife with G-10 Handles,
Black
By Kershaw
$70.80 $74.95
Rated 4 out of 5 by 43 reviewers on Amazon.com
Buy Now
Hence, Damascus steel is not pure. In fact, this uniqueness is its charm and its mystery. The material is characterized by
multiple bands and mottling welded together in patterned fashion to create decorative blades of any shape and/or length
with an inability to shatter. The identi cation of composites in original Damascus steel remains unknown today, as no
records exist describing them. Yet modern Damascus steel-making follows the practice of combining pure metals, varying in
terms of personal preference and need. Though metalworkers can choose and blend materials to form steel billets, iron is
favored for its carbide-enhanced solidity and fortitude.
Historically speaking, Damascus steel has adopted a somewhat enigmatic reputation, as early references disappeared
around 1700 A.D., a point marking the decline of patterned swords that would cease in production some fty years later.
The ancient tradition and signi cance of Damascus steel, however, have never been forgotten, hence the booming industry
that exists today.
Steel Composition
The sciences behind Damascus steel and steel-making are quite involved, yet they a rm the ingenuity and complexity with
which Damascus techniques and processes have come to be known and respected. Metallurgy and chemistry serve as a
basis for the composition and the multiple applications necessary for steel production and use.
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 1/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
Interestingly, Damascus steel was considered something like “super plastic,” not because of some idea that it was not
genuine metal—although it was never pure in that sense—but because of the durability attributed to the former reference.
Despite the fact that various types of modern steel have superseded Damascus blades in performance, the chemical
constitution indigenous to original production processes involving the latter rendered blades of the time exceptionally
stringent and powerful.
Since 1973, modern Damascus steel blades have been constructed from a variety of steel types welded together to form
billets. These billets also routinely contain strips of iron to provide the necessary rmness on a molecular level. As a result,
they are stretched out and layered according to the needs denoted by the particular application of the blade and the
preferences of the blade owner. This indicates Damascus steel blades are produced not in assembly-line fashion but on the
basis of individual customization.
The procedure is simple: steel ingots form billets that are folded like “sandwiches” within other metal types. The resulting
product can comprise anywhere up to hundreds of layers, and is certain to have a solid density and varied design. This
tested process ensures both the integrity and uniqueness of Damascus steel every time.
Still, the basic composition of the Damascus steel consists of two dichotomous structural types: ductility and brittleness. The
former allows for compression of the material to absorb an increase of energy that would otherwise minimize or eliminate
failure in the integrity of the blade. The latter is misleading, since brittleness generally relates to weakness. In this case,
however, the word refers to the degree of exibility needed to prevent shattering or breakage, as well as to facilitate edge
sharpness.
This structural phenomenon ensures the Damascus blade to cut easily and remain durable. The convex grind o ers
sharpness to the thinness of the edge so that sliced material yields to the sides during the stroke and thus minimizes
“sticking” that often occurs with blades having blunter edges. The structural brittleness, then, necessitates the convex grind.
On a deeper level, carbon nanotubes form in the steel to allow malleability and sustained strength during the forging
process. The heavy concentration of carbon assures a decisive quality in steel integrity that guarantees high performance.
This explains why carbon is crucial in the development of Damascus steel blades.
During the forging process, small steel ingots gradually form into the preferred shape of a blade. This causes the alignment
of iron carbides into bands that form unique patterns. These patterns are reminiscent of grains in Wootz steel from ancient
India and re ect old aesthetics and style of production. Metalworkers today are able to replicate much in the same order in
which Damascus steel was known to exist centuries ago.
Heating and Finishing
Below are the lists to the general heating and nishing processes for preparing Damascus steel. Again, the speci cs vary
according to need and want, as well as the type of metals being banded together. The basic processes always remain the
same.
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 2/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
The heating treatment for Damascus steel involves a preset temperature between 1,500F and 2,000F, depending on the
banding, and a mixture of both cementite and austerntite.
1. Preset furnace temperature accordingly.
2. Set metal block in the furnace. Heat through its cycle to its starting temperature.
3. After heating, soak to cool steel for ten minutes.
4. Quench steel in oil. Transfer to liquid nitrogen for one hour.
5. Temper steel for one hour at a temperature of 350F. This must be done twice.
The following steps illustrate the subsequent nishing treatment.
1. Apply a grit nish to the blade.
2. Without pre-bu ng, etch in 50/50 diluted solution of ferric chloride and distilled water. Leave blade in solution for a
minimum of ten minutes.
3. Remove and rinse blade in running water.
4. Repeat cycle at ve-minute intervals until achieving the desired result.
5. Submerse blade in tri-sodium phosphate to neutralize nish
How to Make a Damascus Blade
The previous steps describe how to heat and nish Damascus steel while the following
shows the entire process. Hence, knowledge in the former two is required beforehand
in order for a metal maker to complete that which is below. This order serves as an
indication of both the speci cs involved and how everything works together.
Making Damascus steel blades has a simple progression, yet requires ongoing care
and meticulousness. Still, the process is a time-consuming one. This is necessary to
ensure both desired aesthetics and the development of an e ective, well-balanced blade.
1. Collect ingredients in a crucible. These ingredients include glass and leaves known to prevent oxidation.
2. Heat crucible to melt the ingredients together.
3. When the crucible has reached its cooling point, safely remove the metal ingots and heat them to a temperature
necessary for forging.
4. Hammer metal while it is hot. This stage includes “sandwiching” described above. After metal cools, reheat metal to
forge again. Repeat this cycle as necessary to sharpen edges and shape the blade.
5. When the nal shape is attained, cut the blade and hand-forge the nal details.
6. Shave away the carburized metal excess from the surface of the blade.
7. Insert grooves and drill holes into the blade surface as needed or desired.
8. Reheat. Hammer blade at again. Polish to set the blade’s near- nal form.
9. Etch the surface of the blade with acid to enhance the pattern.
10. When nished, clean acid thoroughly from surface of the blade.
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 3/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
Here’s a great video which shows the process:
Making damascus steel knife
Damascus Knives
Damascus steel knives come in a variety of type for any number of purposes that range from camping and survival to wood-
cutting and hunting. The composites banded together to make a Damascus knife necessarily depend on the type of knife
and the context in which it is expected and/or intended for use. Some common types are listed below:
Carving knives
Hunting knives
Serrated knives
Flip- op knives
Rigging knives
Tactile folding knives
Tactile xed blades
The beautiful thing about any type of Damascus knife is that, by design, it endures any forces put to it. Not only is a
Damascus knife strong but also long-lasting.
Below are some beautiful examples of Damascus blades I have come across. Most of the top production brands like
Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw and others have released limited editions in Damascus recently.
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 4/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
Why we love Damascus Steel Knives
Knife enthusiasts like Damascus knives for many reasons. That’s a great thing because such diversity re ects versatility
inherent in Damascus that is absent from other blades. The history of Damascus steel also draws favor, as it comprises a
mystery that o ers a sense of intrigue and enhances the ancient tradition dramatically.
The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high
performance. Damascus knives boast stylish patterns that metal workers engrave into the blade during the forging process.
No two Damascus knives are alike. In fact, each knife is one of a kind and valuable as an expressive work of art.
Kershaw Knives 1660DAMBK Assisted Opening Damascus Leek Linerlock
Knife with Black Handles
By Kershaw
$92.29
Rated 4 out of 5 by 40 reviewers on Amazon.com
Buy Now
As for the high performance, carbon-rich metals forged together o er a sense of power from billeting and banding that is
alien to many current blade designs. This extends to the molecular composition of the blade as well as the precision and
care that are typical in production, making such power synonymous with Damascus design.
Are Damascus steel knives worth owning and using? Again, the answer is subjective. Blade owners would likely agree that
Damascus knives serve well in certain contexts over others. Two commonly hailed scenarios are, as described above, the
love of the uniqueness in style and artistic patterns, as well as the implementation of weaponry as seen in hunting and
military exploits, although many chefs own Damascus knives as well. These knives are quite special and valued. Indeed
they hold a unique prestige with knife collectors today.
After 2,000 years, Damascus style and tradition are still going strong, and, in light of their mystique and special quality, they
will undoubtedly last a long time to come.
Twitter Facebook Google+ Pinterest Email Reddit
You May Also Be Interested In:
1. Guide to the Best Knife Steel
2. The Ultimate Guide to Knife Handle Materials
3. Knife Steel Composition Chart
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 5/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
4. Holiday Gift Guide
Last updated on Dec 3rd, 2017 by Matt Davidson
Subscribe to our newsletter
email address
Subscribe
SPONSORS
LATEST KNIFE REVIEWS
Factor Bit
Review
WE Knife 702
Review
Kershaw Agile
Review
Olamic Wayfarer
247H Review
LATEST ARTICLES
The Best Tactical Knife For Your
Money
USA Made Blade Open House
The Best Self Defense Knife For Your
Money
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 6/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
The Very Best Spyderco Knives
The Best Small Pocket Knives
The Best Zero Tolerance Knives
ABOUT US
ABOUT US BUYERS GUIDE
BUYERS GUIDE BRANDS
BRANDS REVIEWS
REVIEWS ARTICLES
ARTICLES CONTACT
CONTACT
The Very Best Benchmade Knives
The Best OTF Knife for your Money
HOW WE OPERATE
At Knife Informer we spend hundreds of
hours bringing you informative content and
unbiased reviews and support that e ort
through a liate commissions on purchases
made through our links.
We obtain the products we review through
either buying them ourselves or working
with companies to obtain review units.
If you nd an error in our content or notice
an article in need of freshening up please
feel free to contact us and we’ll take care of
it.
ABOUT PAGES
At KnifeInformer.com we're Contact
committed to providing you with
Knife Deals
objective knife reviews and
informative articles to help you learn more Privacy Policy
about knives.
Terms of Service
MORE PAGES
Advertising
Knife Deals
Links
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an a liate advertising program designed to provide a
means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and a liated sites. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of
Amazon.com, Inc., or its a liates. We also participate in a liate programs with ShareASale and may receive a commission
when products are purchased through our links.
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 7/8
3/11/2018 Damascus Steel – A Beginner's Guide | Knife Informer
Copyright © 2018 Knife Informer by Matt Davidson · All Rights Reserved
http://knifeinformer.com/damascus-steel-a-beginners-guide/ 8/8
