Leopard Tank Barrel Damascus Billets
Leo-Damast® I – Tank Barrel Damascus Steel Billets
Forged in Germany by BALBACHDAMAST®, Leo-Damast® billets are unlike any other Damascus steel on the market. These non-stainless, historically sourced billets are crafted for knifemakers and jewelry makers who value both exceptional performance and a tangible connection to history.
A Legacy Forged in Steel
The legendary Leopard 1 tank, introduced in 1965, was West Germany’s first post–World War II main battle tank. Designed for mobility and firepower, it became one of NATO’s most successful armored vehicles. Its formidable 105mm L7 cannon barrels — later upgraded in the Leopard 1A5 to a 120mm smoothbore — were engineered for extreme durability. Today, steel reclaimed from these decommissioned barrels is reborn in Leo-Damast® billets, blending military heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Leo-Damast® I Billets
• Hand-forged 320-layer high-carbon Damascus
• Distinctive Wild pattern, naturally formed through repeated folding
• Composition: Leopard 1 tank cannon barrel steel + tool steel
• Capable of achieving 63+ HRC after proper heat treatment
Product Details
• Shipped soft-annealed, un-etched, and precision flat-ground
• Designed for deep, dark etching that brings out bold, intricate patterns
• Final Stock – once these billets are gone, no more will be offered
Shipping / Returns
- Free Shipping over $50
- 30 Day Worry-Free Returns
Conversion Note (mm → inches)
-
220 × 30 × 3 mm ≈ 8.66 × 1.18 × 0.12 in
-
240 × 30 × 5 mm ≈ 9.44 × 1.18 × 0.20 in
-
250 × 35 × 5 mm ≈ 9.84 × 1.38 × 0.20 in
-
250 × 40 × 6 mm ≈ 9.84 × 1.57 × 0.24 in
Dimensions are listed as Length × Width × Thickness.
-
Hardening / Tempering / Annealing
Hardening
• Heat to 1562°F (850°C) and hold for 5 minutes.
• Rapidly quench in oil.
• Deep freezing after hardening is optional but recommended for improved stability.Tempering
• Temper immediately after hardening for at least 2 hours to reduce brittleness and form tempered martensite.
• Example: 2 hours at 302°F (150°C) → achieves high hardness (~63 HRC).Annealing (after hot working, to prevent cracks or breakage)
• Heat slowly to 1382°F (750°C) and hold for 2 hours.
• Reduce temperature to 1256°F (680°C) and hold for another 2 hours.
• Cool slowly in the furnace.
• Remove once billet temperature is below 570°F (300°C).Etching
Surface Preparation:
• After hardening, sand the billet to a 400-grit finish, refining up to 1200-grit depending on preference.
• Apply a hand satin finish — do not buff after sanding, as this can reduce pattern contrast.
• Wash thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
• Remove any residue with denatured alcohol. (Avoid acetone.)Etching Process:
• Always follow safety precautions when handling acids — use protective gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation.
• For Leo-Damast® (carbon-based), prepare a 50/50 ferric chloride and distilled water solution.
• Heat the solution to about 122°F (50°C) in a water bath for best results.
• Perform five or more short etches instead of one long soak for greater control.
• Between each etch, lightly brush the billet with an old toothbrush to ensure an even, bold pattern.Final Steps:
• After etching, neutralize the billet thoroughly with a bicarbonate soda solution to stop the acid reaction and prevent corrosion.
• Rinse and dry completely before applying any protective oils or coatings.
Reviews
Absolutely some of my favorite Damascus Not only is it made from a tank barrel, but the pattern is incredible. The diamond shapes seem to jump off the blade!
This is a solid billet with a beautiful pattern… This steel heat treats easily without warpage, and etch’s exquisitely.
This stuff is fantastic. It comes annealed and is very easy to cut, grind, and drill pre-heat treat. It hardened reliably with the heat treat info provided, and came out straight as an arrow. The pattern is fantastic, and the contrast in the layers is excellent as well. All around an easy choice for quality Damascus.
The steel is great quality but what sets it apart is the customer service these guys provide. A company that has a good product and does the right thing without even being asked just as a way of doing business deserves to be patronized!
This stuff is just awesome. The high layer count really lends to some awesome chatoyance when finished and etched properly. The folks at Damaworks have knocked it out of the park here and are such a pleasure to work with. 5 stars and highly recommended.