Hi, I too was impressed by the creativity of the artists represented
in the 1000 Rings book. I don’t have the book at hand to make a
reference but I thought all day of a set of rings I saw in there
that used cabs made of pattern welded steel (I think it was steel
and Monel). So beautiful, wild and mysterious. Loved them…
Does anyone know what exactly is this pattern welded steel and most
of all how it can be produced (I know… by welding but I’m sure it’s
not that easy…). Or else, can this material be found already made
and easily available to a canadian…hobbiest?
It’s not that easy to produce. You’ll need a bit of blacksmithing
experience, a good forge and anvil would help too, and while you’re
at it, it’s a lot of work without a power hammer. I’ve made lots of
the stuff. But you can buy it. check the site http://www.damasteel.se Also, I know Daryl Meier, whom I worked for
for a while, used to sell unfinished billets of the stuff through
Atlanta Cutlery, but I don’t know if he still does. Try poking around
the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America’s web site, http://www.abana.org You might find some sources. The material is
largely in use by knifemakers, and I would suspect a number of them
manufacture unfinished pattern welded stock for sale.
Pattern welded steel is two contrasting types of steel forge welded
together then manipulated to form certain patterns. The pattern is
brought out through etching. Here are some links that show the
process and also some suppliers
I’ve only been on Orchid a short time but I am very impressed with
the sense of community here. To help with you’re question once again
I am struck by the applications that can be applied from
blacksmithing technology. there are some excellent books that will
help and inform many at Orchid. There are two excellent books by
Alexander Weygers “The Modern Blacksmith” and “The Making of Tools”.
The Modern Blacksmith
By Alexander G. Weygers
Price: $10.95
Media: Paperback
Manufacturer : Simon & Schuster
Release data : 01 May, 1974
…
The Making of Tools
By Weygers , Alexander G. Weygers
Price: $10.25
Media: Paperback
Manufacturer : Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
Release data : October, 1973
I love both of these books because they are illustrated by the artist
and the ideas are so practical, inexpensive and lo-tech that they are
probably within the means of anyone who reads them. As for the
pattern welding question it relates. Pattern welding in steel’s is
also known as damascus steel and as you said involves welding. Two or
more dissimilar metals are forge welded together forged out and
folded or stacked until the number of layers desired are achieved
then the surface is manipulated by stock removal, deformation or
other means like stamping or etching. The results as you have seen
can be and usually are spactacular. I know with steels when forge
welding the pieces together "borax glass " is used as a flux to
adhere to and help forge out the impurities between the layers. I
also have always wanted to get into it as well as Mokume Gane. I love
the mixed media and the contrast.
Oh also two other good books “Ironwork” by Donna Meilach and “The
edge of the Anvil” by Jack Andrews. All of these books are excellent
references for anyone who works in metal and especiall for someone
who is interested in making their own tools.
Decorative and Sculptural Ironwork
By Donna Z. Meilach
Price: $10.95
Media: Paperback
Manufacturer : Crown Publishers
Release data : 01 April, 1977
…
New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith
By Jack Andrews
The Meilach book has some fantastic examples of what can be done in
pattern welding and blacksmithing. I think that any of the people
that are interested in departing out of the realm of the bench
jeweler into these areas would find that getting in touch with people
that are into knifesmithing and blacksmithing would be very helpful.
I have always found anyone involved in these areas as cooperative and
generous with their time as the Orchidians.
David: I talked with Daryl Maier earlier in the year about a west
coast source for anvils and such and I got the feeling that he isn’t
as active as he was. Nevertheless he was very helpful and a great guy
to talk to. I envy you you’re having worked with him.
Most pattern welded steel is being used by the custom knife makers it
is also known as Damascus steel (but this is a misnomer). While the
basic versions are fairly simple to make the more complex mosaic
types are quite difficult. They are all some variation on forge
welding and are done by taking two or more different slabs of steel
and hammer welding them while they are orange hot. It is a lot of fun
but you really need a blacksmiths setup to do it.
There are many makers of it that will sell slabs of it to you look
for Damascus steel and pattern welded steel on the web you will get
lots of resources.
Jim Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
@James_Binnion
Member of the Better Business Bureau
Does anyone know what exactly is this pattern welded steel and most
of all how it can be produced ....
Hello Irina,
As you’ve heard from the others pattern welded steel is often used by
knife and bladesmiths. If you’re interested in learning more on the
process I highly recommend the “Bladesmith” books by Jim Hrisoulas.
I have “The Complete Bladesmith” and it’s quite the education in
itself. Chapter 18, for instance, is “Damascus Patterns” and he walks
you through the steps required to produce different patterns. Chapter
19 is “Cable Blades” which have a unique pattern of their own since
they are produced by forge welding steel cable. Great stuff and a
personal dream project of mine.
the Knifemakers section. Great group of people and many do damascus
and pattern welded steel. They’ll teach you more than you’ll ever
need to know and sell it too.
Phil Poirier just gave me a sample of the stainless steel Damascus
(pattern welded) which he imports from England. He is the only U.S.
distributor. Beautiful material! Fairly easy to work and etch. You
can contact him and see it in finished pieces at his site http://www.poirierstudio.com
Just a little note to let you know that when i was at toledo and
Barcelona, Spain i saw how “Damasquinado” was made and found it
great specialy when applay to swords whith gems. If you wnat to see
this i recomend to visit http://www.damasquinado.net and see the
catalog (CATALOGO) they have
Usual disclaimer as you all said except that i would love to learn some day
to make that cain of work