Damascus steel is only produced by a few artisans committed to keeping the tradition going. Damascus steel pocket knives can take up to two years to produce. During the months or years-long process, more than 30 artisans and about 800 individual operations result in a collaborative work of art and function.
To begin the Damascus steel-making process, artisans must select the materials to forge. During the forging process, sheets of different grades of steel are heated, welded, and fashioned into pieces to be heated and welded again and again into a billet.
Master smiths use tools such as an anvil, a hot enough forge, and a power hammer to construct their pieces. Forgers typically use two steel grades to create a stunning contrast when polished. Forgers will use high-carbon steel and other metals to create alternating dark and bright patterns.
