Pattern Welded Steel Damascus Steel

According to authentic historical methods creating damascus using wootz steel is a lost art which is why pattern welding is the most common and original method of creating damascus.

Pattern welded steel damascus steel. A flux seals the joint to keep out oxygen. Small pattern welded damascus steel kife with no power hammer. The loaf method works well for patterns or figures where no distortion is desired. Damascus steel was the forged steel of the blades of swords smithed in the near east from ingots of wootz steel either imported from southern india or made in production centres in merv or khorasan these swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water sometimes in a ladder or rose pattern.

The seams can be welded shut and the billet dry welded. Forge welding multiple layers produces the watery effect characteristic of this type of damascus steel although other patterns are possible. I ve been into blacksmithing for a little under a year now and now that i ve finally managed to make and acquire adequate tools i ve been able to really start making things my initial setup was using a small sledge hammer for an anvil and beating. Having the blocks fit together nicely will simplify the weld.