The Damask steel is the metal used for cold weapon. Europeans for the first time faced this material during the third Crusade. It has unique properties which remain demanded already about one thousand years.
Process of creation of the Damask steel
The Damask steel known also as damask steel, is very popular in the east. It is produced by alloyage of iron and steel with charcoal in the special camera with a lack of oxygen. In the course of a warming up, metal absorbs carbon from charcoal, and the received alloy very slowly is cooled. It gives to material a unique visible pattern.
When forging the crystal structure of substance changes and metal gains bluish color thanks to which the Damask steel is known. This method very labor-consuming also demands high degree of skill to maintain necessary temperature at one level during all process. The material received in the course of production is not enough for creation of big designs. But it quite will be enough for shaping a sword or a dagger. It also causes the high price of goods from steel of this kind.
The factory Damask steel known as welded steel, was more popular in the West. At the same time the final product receive much more at smaller labor input. Process of its production represents a warming up of two or more pieces of iron and steel, and then their connection together. The surfaces of preparations at the same time are softened while cores remain cold and firm. Connection of surfaces together at high temperature and in the presence of gas flow for sealing of a joint allows to create welded communication. It in essence represents compound of two metals in one. The further warming up of the received preparation and change of its form gives the chance to receive damask steel or the Damask steel.
Properties of the Damask steel
Except beautiful and esthetic view with the drawing of surfaces, damask steel has the smaller weight and bigger flexibility, than usual steel. These features are crucial at selection of material for cold weapon. Though the first records about creation of the Damask steel were made in India and in the Middle East, the Norwegian smiths were also recognized masters in this case. They began to create swords from this material in the sixth century AD. It for five hundred years earlier, than the first Japanese katanas from such steel appeared. Despite great qualities, the Damask steel is rather non-uniform substance in comparison with high-carbon types of metal. These materials began to be produced in the nineteenth century in Europe when the most modern methods of processing of metals were applied. In the twentieth century, with the advent of nanotechnologies, even more perfect materials were invented. Nevertheless the Damask steel is quite popular during creation of cold weapon also now.