Damascus Steel

What Is It?


We make Damascus steel rings by hand, mimicking ancient metalsmithing techniques originally used to make samurai swords. Using two alternating types of stainless steel, our master craftsman heat, bond, twist and fold the metal layers together to produce vivid patterns.

After patterning the metal, there can be up to 100 layers in each piece of finished Damascus. Each Damascus steel ring is unique – no two designs will look exactly alike.

Unique Characteristics


The slow, cyclical process of working the metal layers together is what gives Damascus steel it’s incredibly unique properties. Damascus steel rings have increased hardness, strength, resistance to shattering, an ability to be honed to a resilient edge, and a unique finish.

Like a fingerprint, no two Damascus rings will have the exact same design and we offer eight distinctive patterns from which to choose. The standard Damascus is a basic twist pattern, while the other patterns are made from blanks normally used to make knives and swords.

Legend

The technology used to create Damascus steel became so guarded over the centuries it was eventually lost. Modern scientific study has been able to identify many of the original techniques used, but not completely recreate it. Scientists have found nanowires, carbon nanotubes, exotic microalloying elements and characteristics of super plasticity in ancient Damascus swords.

The history behind Damascus steel is one of the most compelling aspects of this metal. Damascus was a type of steel used in the Middle Eastern sword making. While the exact origins of the craft are unknown, the blacksmiths producing Damascus became famous for the quality of their superior weaponry. The name Damascus steel stems from either the original Syrian blacksmiths originating the art or the Damask pattern itself.

While modern production processes can produce metals with all of these characteristics, the presence of these high-tech elements from an ancient art is what made them so advanced for their time, revered, and eventually the source of legend. Content provided by Lashbrook Designs