General term for Damascus
The general term "Damascus" refers to metal with a visible grain pattern, sometimes with a texture. Modern Damascus is a lamination of folded steels selected with cosmetic qualities, with grinding and polishing specifically to expose the layers. True Damascus patterns are formed when carbon trace elements form visible swirls in the steel mix. These elements change properties when the steel is work hardened (forged), creating the patterns.
Damascus steel is a hot-forged steel used in Middle Eastern sword making from about 1100 to 1700 AD. Damascus swords were of legendary sharpness and strength, and were apocryphally claimed to be able to cut through lesser quality swords and even rock. The technique used to create original Damascus steel is now a matter of historical conjecture. Many raw materials and the metal smiths' recipes are no longer available. The foundation for Damascus Steel is Wootz Steel, which originated in India and Sri Lanka then later spread to Persia. From the 3rd century to 17th century, India was shipping steel ingots to the Middle East for use in Damascus steel which makes great swords and hunting knives.
Pattern welding
The most popular theory of Damascus steel was premised on pattern welding because the layering revealed by etching a pattern-welded blade in acid is similar to that of Damascus steel. Hence, pattern welded steel is commonly sold today as "Damascus steel" even though recent research suggests the original Damascus steel was created with a different technique.
Pattern welded Damascus is made from several types of steel and iron slices, which are then welded together to form a billet. The patterns vary depending on how the smith works the billet. The billet is drawn out and folded until the desired number of layers are formed. The end result can bear a strong resemblance to the surface appearance of a true Damascus blade although the internal structure is dissimilar.
|
