This is U.S.A. Made 416 layer carbon damascus steel bar stock. This damascus steel is offered in ladder pattern and can be used for creating unique, one-of-a-kind blades for any style of knife or tool. This is excellent custom steel that can be acid-etched to reveal its striking multi-layer design. When properly heat treated, this material will carry a 59-61 Rockwell hardness and hold a reliable edge. This is wonderful blade material, and cost effective, too. Try it on your next blade project and create something stunning.
Please Note: This image above is the actual damascus bar stock being sold.
Specifications
Length: 7.50 Inches
Width: 2.0 Inches
Thickness: 0.100 Inches
Heat Treated: No (Instructions below)
Hardness: 59-61 RC
USA Made
Damascus Configuration
3 Layers 52100
4 Layers 5160
3 Layers 203E
3 Layers 15n20
Folded = 5 times
Total Layers = 416
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Heat Treating Instructions
HEAT TREATING: The old fashioned way: Heat the blade until a magnet won't stick. Make sure that it is the same color all over. Quench in a light weight oil (peanut oil, 10 wt hydraulic oil, etc). Plunge quickly tip-first; do not swirl blade in oil. If you have an oven: Heat the steel up to 1550°F, then allow to soak for at least two minutes at that temperature. Quench in light weight oil.
TEMPER OR DRAW: Heat oven up to 350°F and allow blade to stay at this temperature for 1 hour. Turn oven off and allow blade to slowly cool to room temperature. Repeat if a double draw is desired. Blade should be "light straw" in color to reach approximately 58 Rockwell.
ETCHING PROCESS: Use caution when using acid! Degrease blade with acetone. Mix ferric chloride acid with distilled water (1 part water, 2 parts acid), or 60% ferric chloride and 40% white vinegar. Dip blade in a plastic container containing the acid mixture and allow a few minutes for the etching to occur. If you cannot find ferric acid, use white vinegar and/or strong coffee (it takes longer). Remove the blade from the acid on occasion to judge how deep of an etch is desired, as it may take several minutes. Once the desired level of etch is reached, do not wipe the blade with a rag as this will wipe off the dark oxide layer. Submerge the blade in a mixture of baking soda and warm water or spray it with Windex to neutralize the acid. Dry quickly with compressed air or a hair dryer to prevent flash rusting.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To preserve the finish of the steel and increase contrast, coat the blade in a light oil (WD-40, Break-Free, etc.), clear paint, or Renaissance Wax. If used in the kitchen, Pam or mineral oil works great to prevent rust and is food safe. After use, like any quality tool, ensure blades are wiped clean, oiled, and kept dry.
