However, there are exceptions that fall under both categories and can be difficult to differentiate from one another for example, Damaskus Steel No-1 may have an overlay surrounded by patterned layers on plain carbon steel sheets and surface milling as well as layers on top of each other.ĭamascus Steel No-1 is made with machine rolling steel sheets folded into shape before being hammered by an iron bar into shape together with high-quality tungsten carbide inserts all over its surface. On the other hand, you need to use stoving when making nakji and patterned Damascus steels. In order to make yongtang, you need to use a high-temperature process called carburizing in your forging process. The difference between these two types of materials is the way they are made.

The patterns on the two types of this material are quite similar, so it can be difficult to tell them apart without doing some research. There is also a type of Damascus steel known as “plain-carbon Damascus steel” or yongtang (용탑), which has no pattern whatsoever. This type of Damascus steel is called “patterned Damascus steel” or nakji (낚지). There are different types of Damascus steel.įor example, there is the type that you can make by folding a metal sheet, and then hammering it with a heavy mallet. The most famous example of this pattern is with the blade of a katana sword, which can be seen in one of Japan’s most iconic symbols however, other items may have this same design such as lockets, knives and razors. This creates overlapping layers that appear like basketwork or folded metal. The pattern on Damascus steel arises from two folded metal sheets being hammered together before they are forged into shape.

Furthermore, it is able to retain its sharpness despite not having any special treatment applied during the manufacturing process. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, so this makes it an attractive choice for surgical blades. In addition to being a popular material for making knives and swords, Damascus steel is also used in medical devices because it is able to perform precision cuts without fracturing or chipping the object being cut. With its origins in Damascus, Syria, this material has come to be known for its distinctive pattern.

7 Safety Tips for Using Damascus Knivesĭamascus steel is a type of high-performance steel that has been used as a cutting tool since the 19th century.

6 How to identify a real Damascus knife?.

Global damascus steel