|
The term "Damascus steel" can be used to describe a secret, ancient process of making swords or the modern process of forging jewelry or knives using a layering technique. Either way, Damascus steel also refers to the swirling pattern revealed when etching the final product. The intricacy and beauty of the final configuration, along with the strength and durability achieved through the layering method, make Damascus steel an excellent choice for developing timeless pieces of jewelry.
The origin of the name is as complex as the possible applications of the term. The surface patterns on Damascus sword blades and knives resemble turbulent damas—the Arabic word for water. Another explanation is these swords were made by a man named Damasqui. The most likely source is geographical: the city of Damascus in Syria.
There are several theories on the origin of Damascus steel. It can be traced back to India and Sri Lanka (300-100 BC) where it was referred to as wootz steel. This highly purified metal and unique process slowly made its way to the Middle East between 900 AD and 1000 AD where the method was refined. Weaponry made of this steel was commonly produced and sold in Damascus, Syria—a successful international trading center of the time. As these arms spread throughout the area and the rest of the Fatimid Empire, the term Damascus steel was born.
French and English armies first encountered Damascus steel weapons during the crusades. These swords were said to have almost mythical qualities, such as the ability to cut through a knight’s blade or even rock without losing its sharpness. European blacksmiths attempted to duplicate the legendary steel using a pattern welding technique. They even went so far as to etch their swords or decorate them with metallic overlays to match the look of Damascus steel. However, they were never successful in replicating the power and malleability of the superior steel. Metal smiths and artisans in the Middle East continued making Damascus steel swords and knives until 1750 AD, when the legendary process was unexplainably lost.
Today, the term Damascus steel refers to the combination of two different kinds of steels that are welded and forged into a bar or rod with a multitude of layers. After patterning techniques are applied, the Damascus is etched to reveal the distinctive pattern of those layers; the signature swirling configuration made famous by those ancient weapons.
In Sweden, a new spin on the old Damascus steel process has been developed whereby alternating layers of two different kinds of stainless steel powders are hot isostatically pressed together. The resulting diffusion-bonded duplex steel billet is subjected to traditional steel processing techniques to form round billets which are subjected to the same techniques used by the early metalsmiths to produce Damascus Stainless Steel.
Andrew Nyce Designs is proud to offer custom Damascus
Stainless Steel made by this new powder metallurgy process. |
