The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Larrin
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The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by Larrin »

Through interviews with 15+ knifemakers and Damascus steel producers (including a Spyderco fan favorite in Ed Schempp) I was able to put together a history of the introduction of powder metals to pattern-welded Damascus steel. This was a particularly influential period in terms of mosaic Damascus pattern development and it was fun to talk to these legendary Damascus makers about the process of pushing the envelope with new techniques. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/08/19/ ... cus-steel/
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by attila »

Awesome! Thanks, Larrin!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#3

Post by Ed Schempp »

Larrin has been involved in cutlery metallurgy most all of his life. Devin, Larrin's dad is one of the most knowledgeable custom Damascus steel producers and mentors I have known. We are extremely lucky to be able to benefit from Larrin's research and professionalism.
I highly recommend reading any and all of the work that Larrin produces.
Probably the most important aspect of the development of powder Damascus is the fact that so many people passionately cooperated in research and development.
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Larrin
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#4

Post by Larrin »

Ed Schempp wrote:
Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:06 am
Larrin has been involved in cutlery metallurgy most all of his life. Devin, Larrin's dad is one of the most knowledgeable custom Damascus steel producers and mentors I have known. We are extremely lucky to be able to benefit from Larrin's research and professionalism.
I highly recommend reading any and all of the work that Larrin produces.
Probably the most important aspect of the development of powder Damascus is the fact that so many people passionately cooperated in research and development.
Thanks for all your help, Ed!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by ChrisinHove »

Fascinating stuff! I really had no idea how sophisticated Damascus patterns could be made. The workmanship on show in this article is incredible.
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#6

Post by jabba359 »

Thanks for sharing. I had often wondered how the patterns and pictures in some Damascus were made. Now I have a much clearer idea.
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by curlyhairedboy »

Fantastic history presented there! Thanks Larrin!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#8

Post by GarageBoy »

Dumb question: why does damascus work?
Say I have 410 and 1095 - when I forge them together, why is it layers of 410 and 1095 and not another steel entirely? Or is that because the temperature is too low?
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by Larrin »

GarageBoy wrote:
Mon Aug 19, 2019 11:07 am
Dumb question: why does damascus work?
Say I have 410 and 1095 - when I forge them together, why is it layers of 410 and 1095 and not another steel entirely? Or is that because the temperature is too low?
Diffusion of small atoms like carbon and nitrogen is fast because they are "interstitial" atoms that can travel between the larger iron atoms. Alloying elements like Al, Si, Mn, Cr, Mo, etc. are "substitutional" atoms meaning they replace the iron atoms themselves. The diffusion of substitutional elements is much slower and doesn't occur to a large extent at the temperatures and times used for forge welding. http://depa.fquim.unam.mx/amyd/archiver ... _33073.pdf
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by zuludelta »

Thanks for the informative read!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#11

Post by Doeswhateveraspidercan »

Very nice, thank you for a good read.
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by JonLeBlanc »

Always interesting!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by JuPaul »

As always, this was a very interesting read, and full of beautiful examples! Thank you Larrin and contributors!
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

#14

Post by GarageBoy »

Larrin wrote:
Mon Aug 19, 2019 11:17 am
GarageBoy wrote:
Mon Aug 19, 2019 11:07 am
Dumb question: why does damascus work?
Say I have 410 and 1095 - when I forge them together, why is it layers of 410 and 1095 and not another steel entirely? Or is that because the temperature is too low?
Diffusion of small atoms like carbon and nitrogen is fast because they are "interstitial" atoms that can travel between the larger iron atoms. Alloying elements like Al, Si, Mn, Cr, Mo, etc. are "substitutional" atoms meaning they replace the iron atoms themselves. The diffusion of substitutional elements is much slower and doesn't occur to a large extent at the temperatures and times used for forge welding. http://depa.fquim.unam.mx/amyd/archiver ... _33073.pdf
Thanks! Will have to digest that article
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Re: The History of Powder Metals in Damascus Steel

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Post by Doc Dan »

Fascinating read. Thanks!
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