I am new to damascus and would like to try to make a small billet without buying more steel. Would O1 and 52100 give me a good contrasty combination? Thanks.

Lou

Both are pretty dark when etched, it would be a subtle contrast. If you have any L6 (saw blade material) it would give you a good contrast witht the O1.

01 and 52100 would not give much of a difference when etched. They are both too close in composition to etch much differently. There would be a slight difference and I don't know if it would etch better before or after heat treat. Almost any kind of band saw material would give more contrast.

Not to mention 52100 is red hard and doesn't like to be overheated...so if you use it be very carfull of your heat. And same as the above...not much contrast.
csc

Thanks for the info fellas. I drove up to Admiral yesterday and picked up some L6 and other goodies.

Lou

I ordered som eL 6 from Admiral last week, and it isn't here yet (this is Friday). I ordered some O 1 from tool and die on Monday of this week and it arrived here yesterday (Thursday). Might keep that in mind.