Making Damascus Steel Blades from A to Z. (ePub)

Pattern-welded blades are among the most beautiful and durable creations ever to emerge from the bladesmith's forge, from the welding of the starting billet to the final assembly of the completed blade.

Opening secrets forging basic, precise patterns and complex designs so that any bladesmith with the desire to learn this demanding yet immensely satisfying skill can produce blades that are both intriguing works of art worthy of any collection.

With this guide, novice blacksmiths and bladesmiths have a practical and budget-conscious approach to forging their own Damascus steel knives. Starting with the basics, this practical guide shows how easy it can be to build a simple Damascus-grade forge; forge Damascus steel into different patterns; and forge a blade into shape, harden it, and turn it into a finished knife. Sketches, step-by-step instructions, and tools and materials lists help you prepare and work through the project methodically and safely. Complete with tips for sharpening Damascus steel blades and insights on the metallurgy behind this special steel, this guide is ideal for the metalworking hobbyist.

These blades are beautiful, durable, and well. worth the time, effort, and skills required to make them, They are the greatest attribute to a smith's skill, a skill that is well worth the patience, frustration, and tribulation involved in its mastery.

Contents

Preface

The Workshop for the Damascus

Materials

Forge Welding Damascus Steel

Damascus Steel: The Pattern-Welded Blade

Forge-Welding Damascus Steel

Basic Patterns for Pattern-Welded Steel

The Composite Patterns

Welded Cable - Wire Damascus

Damascus Patterns

Grinding the Blade of Damascus Steel

Heat Treating and Tempering Damascus Steel

Finishing the Blade of Damascus Steel

Viking Broadsword s of Damascus Steel

Reproducing Classic Swords

Compounds

Bibliography