doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Making modern Damascus steel

It is important to understand the difference in pattern welded blades (which is the process shown), and pattern welded barrels.

Both start with a 'lopin' - thin layers of iron and steel.
The way the 'lopin' is 'stacked' determines the ultimate pattern.
What will become Star or Etoile'



The 'lopin' is then rolled or pounded under high heat and pressure to form the 'rod'.

The primary difference is that blades are pounded then folded, and pounded, then folded, over and over. The blade may be twisted, ground or other segments laminated into the blade to create patterns.
The rods of barrels are twisted, hammer welded together to form the ribband, which is then helically welded around a mandril.