smcfalls13
03-05-2006, 10:25 PM
I was trying to do some research on Damsacus steel in my free time, but the search is getting rather frustrating. Google is only giving me about one informative site out of every twenty I look at. :o
I'm not interested in buying damascus billets, nor am I interested in the history of it(I know that much already) and pretty much every site is giving me one of those two. The best sites have been knifemakers sites(go figure ;) )
If anyone can point me in the direction of some good sites to take a look at for general information about damascus forging. I'm curious to know more about it.
I know the steels used need to have comparable heat treatments, otherwise one steel won't reach it's full potential.
Does using two steels with complimenting properties enhance both steels, or is that an incorrect assumption(I'm not familiar with this process at all, hence the research). For example, assuming they had comparable heat treatments, would forging D-2(for superior edge holding) with L-6(for superior toughness) create a blade with a good compromise of toughness and edgeholding(though obviously not as well as each blade individually).
I also can't seem to figure out what affects the contrast of the final pattern on the steel? I know most blades are acid etched to bring out the design, and different steels react differently to the acid, creating contrasting finishes. Is it the Carbon? Manganese? Nickel? Some other element? Does the heat treatment play a role in the final pattern as well?
Also, apart from the heat treatment issue, does anyone know what steels are compatible with each other(Would my theoretical D-2/L-6 combo even be feasible?). I've read they need to have varying carbon contents, but I would assume there's more to it than just carbon. Should they both be carbon steel(i.e. 10xx series) or would two tool steels work? What about alloyed steels like 52100, would it be suitable with any for damascus, or is san mai the only viable option with this one?
Anybody have any sources they can point me to? I'd appreciate it.
I'm not interested in buying damascus billets, nor am I interested in the history of it(I know that much already) and pretty much every site is giving me one of those two. The best sites have been knifemakers sites(go figure ;) )
If anyone can point me in the direction of some good sites to take a look at for general information about damascus forging. I'm curious to know more about it.
I know the steels used need to have comparable heat treatments, otherwise one steel won't reach it's full potential.
Does using two steels with complimenting properties enhance both steels, or is that an incorrect assumption(I'm not familiar with this process at all, hence the research). For example, assuming they had comparable heat treatments, would forging D-2(for superior edge holding) with L-6(for superior toughness) create a blade with a good compromise of toughness and edgeholding(though obviously not as well as each blade individually).
I also can't seem to figure out what affects the contrast of the final pattern on the steel? I know most blades are acid etched to bring out the design, and different steels react differently to the acid, creating contrasting finishes. Is it the Carbon? Manganese? Nickel? Some other element? Does the heat treatment play a role in the final pattern as well?
Also, apart from the heat treatment issue, does anyone know what steels are compatible with each other(Would my theoretical D-2/L-6 combo even be feasible?). I've read they need to have varying carbon contents, but I would assume there's more to it than just carbon. Should they both be carbon steel(i.e. 10xx series) or would two tool steels work? What about alloyed steels like 52100, would it be suitable with any for damascus, or is san mai the only viable option with this one?
Anybody have any sources they can point me to? I'd appreciate it.