[TheForge] Damascus

[Roy Wilson]

On Sun, 31 Mar 2002 19:18:36 -0500, Dan Tull wrote:

>#1.:
>	What is the definition of damascus?

	REAL Damascus?  Damascened steel from a specific time
period in the Persian region.

>#2.:
>	Is forge welded cable damascus?

	No, it's pattern welded.

>#3.:
>	IF the strands are all the same material ( same carbon content ),
>what makes the pattern when etched ?

	The welds are harder than the non-welded sections.
>#4.:
>	Draw work hardened or not,  the threads should be the same
>when forge welding temperature is reached. If you put even one dissimilar
>steel in the last fold, is it then damascus?

	No, then it's pattern welded.

>#5.:
>	What is the criteria for the  "best " knife?

	That all depends on what you're going to DO with it.  Size,
shape, weight, hardness, edge holding, ease of sharpening, grip
style, size, weight, etc.

	If you make a 3" folder that's so sharp it cuts an inch
*before* you see the steel touch, it's not the best knife if what
you need is a machete.  Or if the blade rusts overnight.



Roy Wilson
General Operations Director
Zanzibar Internet Land Line Administrator

<Roy@Wilson-Eclectics.com>