A little history of damascus used in knife blades. Years back when Bill Moran reintroduced damascus knives to the USA many people thought if a low and high carbon steel was used, say 1020 and 1095, that the finished blade of around 320 layers would have a fine layered cutting edge of soft and hard steel that would cut very good, almost like a saw. Then some blades were tested at a lab and it was found out that after seven heats, welds and folds, the carbon had migrated and was equal. What is seen in the finished blade is a loss of carbon in the weld joints. Now days bladesmiths use all high carbon steels with different alloys, which the etchant attacks at different rates. One or two etchs is all it takes. With gun barrels, the fine patterns are harder to bring out because of the very many more folds, twist, and heats to get the patterns than say a twist barrel with less welds. In knives we're only talking about six or so heats and folds to get 320 layers. I've read there are more than a hundred heats and welds to get some patterns in gun barrels. Just something to think about, and not even knowing what steels were used, it's not a wonder some barrels are harded than others to make look nice. Paul
Last edited by bladesmith; 01/17/08 05:28 PM.
