The Method of Making 67-Layer Damascus Steel in Japan
The 67-layer Damascus steel is a very appreciated material for making knives and cutting tools because of its hardness, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. Most of the 67-layer Damascus steels are made in Japan, where the tradition of high-quality steel making dates back several centuries.
The production of 67-layer Damascus steel starts with the selection of materials. The manufacturers typically use a high-carbon stainless steel alloy called VG-10, which is known for its corrosion resistance and its ability to keep a sharp edge. This material is then melted and poured into molds to form plates.
Once the steel plates have cooled and solidified, they are cut into strips of the desired width. The steel strips are then folded and layered on top of each other to form a "paste" of steel. This paste is then drawn out and hammered to eliminate defects and impurities.
The process of folding and layering is repeated several times, until there are 67 layers of steel stacked upon each other. This layering of steel gives the 67-layer Damascus steel its unique texture, called "Damascus pattern", which is visible to the naked eye.
After forming the "paste" of steel, the manufacturers use forging techniques to give the steel the desired shape. The tools can be forged hot or cold, using different forging techniques such as anvil forging, machine forging, or pneumatic hammer forging.
When the tool has the desired shape, it is then dipped in a water bath to harden the steel layers. The temperature at which the tool is hardened and the time it spends in the water determine the hardness of the steel. Harder tools are more wear-resistant, but can be more brittle.
Finally, the tools are hand-sharpened to achieve the desired sharp edge. The sharpening process can take several hours and requires great skill and experience to achieve optimal results.
If you wish to procure high-quality Damascus steel knives, you can opt for the Yellow Sea Set knives, the Kyoto knives, or the range with perfect handles for prolonged use, the Yakumoto kitchen knives.
