DAMASCO - FORGING COURSES
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TEACHER : ALESSANDRO FABRIZI
ROBERTO GIORDANI
BASIC COURSE
Realization of a simple layered Damascus steel bar .
Duration: 12-
During the course, participants will be given the basic theoretical information
and useful suggestions for the practice of forging . The purpose is to teach the student how to prepare and use the forge, and most importantly how to make the hot welding that allows, if well executed, to get the work done without any flaws. (the same that the student will bring home) .
DEVELOPMENT
History of Damascus steel .
Forging and steel ‘s heat treatments.
The most common steels used to produce Damascus.
Theory and practice for the realization of the package.
Preparing the forge and fire managment.
Forge welding.
Cleaning and applying acids on the bar .
The material and equipment will be provided by the organizer .
The participants must bring:
Safety footwear
Apron or overalls.
Gloves (for welding).
Safety glasses.
Damascus steel is very ancient.
From primitive kilns a patchy pile of iron and steel full of slag was obtained; the only way to use it was to forge it, stretching it and folding it over itself several times. This method allowed the reduction of harmful scoria and the diffusion of carbon within the material. This technique was definitely used in different Etruscan blades from the IV century B.C; to make these two kind of iron and steel plus meteoric iron were welded together: the steel for the cutting edge, the iron and the meteoric iron, softer and more resilient, for the sides of the blade, resulting in both a considerable aesthetic effect and outstanding mechanical qualities. This technique was used by Celtic blacksmiths and Ancient Romans, then passed to the Germans who conquered the Roman empire.
Today the welded Damascus steel technique is only used for the production of handmade cutlery. Several packages consisting of different kind of steel are prepared, brought to a temperature of 1200-