The term "Damascus steel" is now used too loosely, which leads many people to think that Damascus steel is patterned steel, which makes many novice knife friends suffer a lot.
To distinguish the real Damascus steel, remember that these two conditions must be met.
First, the real Damascus steel is a kind of composite steel, which consists of many different steels. Like single carbon folded steel, Japan's basic steel sandwich steel, and even the pattern corrosion on a single steel is not Damascus steel.
Second, the real Damascus steel is folded and forged. Why is it that the patterned steel produced by folding forging can be called Damascus steel, but the patterned steel with corroded surface can't be called Damascus steel?
In ancient times, people repeatedly folded forged steel with sledgehammers, which was similar to kneading dough. This is the basic method of pure material, in order to separate out impurities, average the carbon content of steel and make the structure more uniform, so as to get a hundred steelmaking with both rigidity and flexibility. In this way, when the sword is violently hit, it is not easy to bend or break.
In the process of repeated forging of various steels, those places with high carbon content will show lighter color, while those with low carbon content will show darker color. These forged textures of different colors are the patterns on the knife body.
Therefore, the real Damascus steel, the pattern is the result of folding forging, it is a process, and the sword itself exists naturally, rather than the pattern for the sake of pattern, making a fuss about the surface of a single steel.
Well-made Damascus steel has amazing performance, which is internationally recognized. However, at present, Damascus steel on the market is mixed, and it is generally difficult for inexperienced knife friends to distinguish, so I took a chance. Say good when you meet good, and say bad when you meet bad.