This technique belongs to the family of the layered constructions. The core of the blade is covered on one or both sides by layers, stabilizing and decorating the blade. The pattern can be a layered pattern as well as a twist, even several twisted bands can be used.
First Damascene steel with the pattern for the surface is forged. A very symmetrical pattern can be produced by cutting this steel bar in half. These veneer layers are then welded to the sides of the cutting layer. If thoroughly worked, a similar pattern can be produced on both sides. Forging the blade carefully to final shape will then produce a symmetric pattern. |
Veneer layer |
Twist as veneer layer | A clear functional separation is obvious in this technique: the veneer-layers stabilizes and decorates the blade, the center layer is exclusively responsible for the cutting performance of the blade. Therefore mild hardening steels and/or nickel can be used in the veneer-layers. A twist is shown on the blade without the necessity of welds normal to the cutting edge. Careful positioning of the veneer layers as well as precise forging to the final shape is essential to create a symmetric pattern. This is most likely the reason for the rare application of this particular veneering technique. |
A simpler technique is to perform pattern control after welding the veneer-layers to the core. This way the positioning of the veneer layers need less attention. Twisted pattern cannot be produced by this method, stamped and machines patters cause no problems. |
Veneer with stamped pattern |
© 2005 G.v.Tardy
