Microstructural analysis of a “welded damascus” knife blade billet

Abstract

The microstructure has been examined of a layered steel billet such as used to m ake “welded Damascus” knives. The layers (originally about 0.6cm thick) were of a high-carbon steel (W2) and a Ni steel (A203E). Repeated layering and hot forging had reduced the layer thickness to about 150n μm. The carbon composition had become homogenized, but little Ni had diffused to the plain carbon ateel layer. The higher hardenability Ni steel had a structure of bainite, and the plain carbon bsteel layer contained primary ferrite (about 20% and pearlite (about 80%). The damask, which was revealed upon etching the composite material, was due to those microstructural differences.