Things To Know About Damascus Steel

Damascus Steel is a high-quality steel that is not only beautiful but also extremely strong. If you have ever held or purchased a Damascus Steel Sword, you must be familiar with its superiority over swords forged from other materials. While we are already on the subject, let's look at the 6 things you probably didn't know about Damascus steel.

Damascus Steel is not from Damascus

However, this does not mean that Damascus has no connection to the particular area. In reality, the steel is known by this name because, in the third century, the Western Europeans were introduced to this solid metal in the trading center of the ancient city of Damascus which is modern day Syria. As the formal introduction to many buyers took place here, the steel got the same name as well and it continued to stay even today.

It Originates from India

So, the question is, if only the formal introduction to the buyers took place in Damascus, where did the steel actually came from? Many historians believe that Damascus Steel actually originated from India and the Middle East. However, some historical reports also claim that some of this wondrous metal was also produced in Damascus. That said, Asia and the Middle East are to be attributed for this amazing piece of metal.

It Has Ripples

The most unique quality is the wavy or rippled appearance of the metal. This pattern comes from the forging. While forging the Damascus Steel, Iron and steel are physically manipulated and this controlled composition of metals produce the signature distinct patterns.

There is a noteworthy Variety

There is a special term ‘wootz’ associated with steel. This refers to casting Damascus steel by going through a labor-intensive process of melting iron pieces and steel with charcoal. It helps in eliminating the oxygen from the atmosphere. This reduction of oxygen causes the metal to absorb carbon from the charcoal and the metal is then cooled down gradually. The cooling then forms crystalline structures. This structure can then be forged into a strong high-quality product of the desired shape such as a sword. However, this particular variety loses the unique pattern when molded to a different shape but the strength is unmatchable.

An Easier Method was Discovered

As the wootz process took a lot of time and energy, people soon found that they could develop the same product with less labor and cost. Then came the advent of pattern welded steel. This steel also known as Fabricated Damascus steel was much easier to make. The process required forge welding which is the hammering of two stacked pieces of metal. This hammering forms one whole piece of metal. For this, the metal needs to be in the near molten state. Only a skilled metal worker is able to execute this process. The pounded layers also cause the same ripple pattern such as that of wootz to show on the steel.

It is very flexible

The might of Damascus steel is that the metal is not only strong and pleasing to the eyes but also very flexible. This combination of flexibility, strength, and beauty makes it the perfect alloy for creating powerful and durable Damascus steel swords, knives and daggers. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that not every steel with a wavy pattern is Damascus steel. So be careful with up paying a fortune for low-quality fabrication. So in order to get your hands on high-quality Damascus Steel with aesthetics and strength, visit Kaswords.com