Steel for Damascus

[mikec]

Is there a resourse on the internet or a book (probabley is) that can tell you what steels mix and don't mix for damascus? Also which can and cannot be used. I gues that question will also lend into which can be forged and which not, such as some of the high tech Crucible (sp) stuff such as S30V.

Thanks

[Ray Rogers]

Most any carbon steel can be used in making damascus. Some combinations result in better pattern definition than others. The books I have seen usually just talk about whatever the author likes to use and not the whole broad rainbow of possibilities.

It really isn't all that difficult to find out what is being used - just look in your knife supply catalogs. Any place that sells damascus will generally tell you who made it and what it is made from. If you don't have the catalogs, go get them - they are a wealth of information for anybody trying to make knives and they are free.

You might also want to visit Ed Caffrey's forum as those boys have the last word on making damascus. We have a few 'experts' here but they cover the field.

Finally, you mentioned S30V. That's a stainless steel. Since you have never made damascus you should put stainless steel of any kind completely out of your mind as far as damascus is concerned until you can make carbon steel damascus with your eyes closed. It's an entirely different animal and it's very hard to tame ......

[BrianT]

If you are just starting out on Damascus, your best bet is 1084 and 15N20. The make up is similar in both with the exception of the nickel in the 15N20. This makes for easier welds and less problems.

Brian

[mikec]

Sorry about the S30V, I must have mis-understood the articul. I thought S30V was still classified as carbon with Stainless characteristcis. It must have been the other way around.

Thanks for the info.