I hate clever people.

[Demonic69]

How does damascus fare strength-wise?
I'm fancying a practical knife, kukri, machete etc and love the look and idea of folded/laminated steel. Would one made with decent steel be expected to last, keep it's edge and look good?

[meles meles]

Yes.

With the quality inherent in modern steels it's quite possible to optimise the pattern welding process (let's not call it Damascus, it isn't) for aesthetic appeal safe in the knowledge that the blade will have and retain a good edge anyway. For anyone that wants to learn how to make pattern welded blades I'd recommend a course with the 'ooman wot teached' us, Owen Bush. http://owenbush.co.uk/

He makes stuff like this...



and this



We're not as skilled as Owen...

[Demonic69]

Could this ever be good?
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/2161153 ... el-hunting?

[meles meles]

Maybe.

First of all, let's call it a pattern welded blade. True Damascus steel is something entirely different.

A lot of low cost pattern welded blades are made in places like Pakistan, and some of them are of reasonable quality. This one claims to be made from 1095 and 15N20, two quite good steels that we use ourselves. 1095 is a plain carbon steel, with 0.95% carbon and not much else in it. It will sharpen easily and take a good edge, but will also blunt easily. No real problem as it can be sharpened easily. 15N20 contains, in addition to carbon, 2% nickel. That toughens it and also gives it a nice shine, hence the high contrast patterns you see on the blade after its been etched.

If the knife has been well made, then correctly quenched and tempered, it won't be bad at all. Perhaps not in the same league as one made by a master bladesmith, but such a knife would cost far more...

Have a go at making your own. It's easier than you think and we'd be willing to teach. All you need is a strip of O1 tool steel, or a strip of silver steel (both readily availabubble), and some old band saw blades (they contain 2% nickel), a hammer, a fire and an improvised anvil.

Also, go peeky at http://knifemakersassociation.org/main/ for inspiration

[Demonic69]

I would love to make my own, I don't have the room for the tools needed but one day...
How long do you think a fairly simple knife would take to make?

[meles meles]

A beginner, starting from scratch but with good tuition, could make a decent knife in a day...

[Demonic69]

Wow! Do you have a forge setup at the Sheffield sett?