DSC® inox Damascus Billets

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Width reference:

• 20 mm ≈ 0.79 in

• 25 mm ≈ 0.98 in

• 30 mm ≈ 1.18 in

• 35 mm ≈ 1.38 in

• 40 mm ≈ 1.57 in

• 45 mm ≈ 1.77 in

• 50 mm ≈ 1.97 in

• 55 mm ≈ 2.17 in

• 60 mm ≈ 2.36 in

 

Thickness reference:

• 2 mm ≈ 0.08 in

• 3 mm ≈ 0.12 in

• 4 mm ≈ 0.16 in

• 5 mm ≈ 0.20 in

• 6 mm ≈ 0.24 in

• 8 mm ≈ 0.31 in

• 10 mm ≈ 0.39 in

Hot Working
• Forge at 1742–1922°F (950–1050°C).

 

Cold Working
• Not recommended for DSC® stainless Damascus.

 

Machining
• Delivered in a soft-annealed state with a hardness of 22–27 HRC, ready for machining.

 

Soft Annealing (after hot working)
• Heat slowly to 1526°F (830°C).
• Hold at temperature for minimum 4 hours.
• Cool slowly in the furnace.
• Remove once billet temperature is below 752°F (400°C).

 

Hardening
• Heat to 1922–1976°F (1050–1080°C).
• Hold for 15–20 minutes at temperature.
• Rapidly quench in air, then immediately deep freeze.
• Note: Maximum corrosion resistance is achieved only after hardening.
• Hardening is best performed in a vacuum or protective gas atmosphere.

 

Tempering
• Required after hardening to convert the structure into tempered martensite and adjust hardness.
• Temper at least 2 × 1 hour (repeat deep freezing between cycles if desired).

• Knife blades: 2 × 0.75 hrs at 356–374°F (180–190°C) → ~60–61 HRC

• Decorative items: 2 hrs at 572°F (300°C) → ~56–57 HRC

Surface Preparation:
• After hardening, sand the billet to a 400-grit finish and refine up to 1200-grit depending on your preference.
• Do not buff the billet after sanding, as this can reduce contrast in the pattern.
• Wash and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
• For an even etch, clean the surface with denatured alcohol. (Do not use acetone.)

 

Etching Process:
• Always wear protective gloves, goggles, and work in a ventilated area when handling acids.
• For stainless Damascus, use a 15–20% solution of either Muriatic, Hydrochloric (HCl), Nitric, or Sulfuric acid.
• Heat the solution to approximately 122°F (50°C) in a water bath.
• Perform five or more short etches rather than one long soak for better control.
• Between each etch, use an old toothbrush to lightly brush the billet in the solution for an even result.

 

Final Steps:
• After etching, neutralize thoroughly with a baking soda solution to stop the acid reaction and prevent corrosion.
• Note: In stainless Damascus, etching does not affect one of the steel layers. For greater contrast, you may gently buff the raised surface with 1200–2000 grit sandpaper after etching.