Isn't "damasat" more like powdered metal than hammer welded alloys? I think I read in a knife publication that the powder is forged into billets, then ground or machined, as I recall.
Terry,
Manfred Sachse and Heinz Denig have produced damascus that will handle high pressures. Sachse replicated the old methods of pattern welding iron and steel physically from billets. He eventually was able to "weave" names into the damascus. Denig used a combination of modern steels, like the knife makers use today. Denig produced at least one gun that was submitted for proof.
Damasteel is as you describe, a powder process:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=nKIMAAAAEBAJ&dq=damasteelI know there are makers in the USA who can also produce damascus barrels, eg Jud Brennan. For the most part, they make muzzle loaders with their barrels.
I am not 100% which method this maker is using. My German is not good at all.
Pete
