damascus steel

[joemarty]

Can you make damascus steel by melting differnt types of metal together, than pour out hot metal to make a slab? I was told this was one way of doing it. I havent found any info on it.Or am I geting my leg pulled?

[LAR43]

Once the hot metal gets melted together it all becomes another type metal sometimes called an alloy. ie. Copper & brass melted together becomes bronze.
Damascus, or pattern steel is made by welding or wiring a stack of different types, but similar compatible metal together then heating the stack to welding temperature and forge welding the stack. After the stack is welded it is cut approx. 2/3 the way through, folded over & welded over again, & again etc. to achieve the layered look. This is a real simple explanation but it's basically how pattern /damascus is done.
Does one the leg that got pulled feel longer than the other??   :D  
Larry

[joemarty]

thanks. eye limp know.