Pre-Cut Stainless Damascus Steel Billets

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Width:

• 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:

• 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

Forging

• Forge at 1742–1922°F (950–1050°C).

• Cool slowly after deformation. Do not quench from forging temperature.

• Soft annealing is required after hot working to enable further machining.

• Note: Cold working is not recommended for DSC Inox.

Machining

All DSC Inox billets are delivered soft-annealed at 22–27 HRC and are ready to machine. The weld layers will not separate during machining.

Soft Annealing (required after hot working only)

• Heat slowly to 1526°F (830°C) and hold for at least 4 hours.

• Cool slowly in the furnace.

• Remove once the billet temperature is below 752°F (400°C).

Hardening

• Hardening is best performed in a vacuum furnace or under protective gas to prevent oxidation and ensure maximum corrosion resistance.

• Heat to 1922–1976°F (1050–1080°C) and hold for 15–20 minutes.

• Quench in air, then immediately deep freeze. Maximum corrosion resistance is achieved only after hardening.

Tempering

• Temper immediately after hardening or deep freezing.

• Temper in two separate cycles, cooling to room temperature between cycles. Deep freezing may be repeated between tempering cycles if desired.

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

• Decorative items: 2 hours at 572°F (300°C) → approximately 56–57 HRC.

Surface Preparation

• After hardening, sand to a consistent finish — 400-grit minimum, up to 1200-grit for a finer pre-etch surface. Work through each grit cleanly before moving to the next. Scratches from lower grits will be amplified by the etch.

• Do not buff after sanding. Buffing closes the surface and reduces pattern contrast.

• Wash thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

• Degrease with acetone or denatured alcohol immediately before etching.

Etching

• Always wear protective gloves and goggles and work in a ventilated area when handling acids.

• For DSC Inox, use sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄, 15–20%) heated to 122–140°F (50–60°C) in a water bath. Gator Piss is also confirmed compatible. Do not use ferric chloride or muriatic acid on stainless Damascus. Ferric chloride produces poor contrast on high-chromium steels, and muriatic acid fumes will etch surrounding polished surfaces.

• Suspend the billet freely in the etchant. Do not let it rest on the bottom of the container.

• For a deep etch (~20 µm roughness): Etch in 5-minute passes. Each pass produces approximately 5µm of depth. Four passes totaling 20 minutes achieve full pattern development. Between each pass, neutralize in a baking soda solution, then brush lightly with a soft toothbrush to remove smut.

• For a lighter, subtler finish: Use shorter passes of 20–40 seconds each. Neutralize and brush between passes and repeat until you reach your desired contrast.

• Do not buff after etching. Buffing destroys the contrast you have developed.

Developing Contrast

• After your final pass, neutralize thoroughly in a baking soda solution and rinse completely.

• For greater contrast, lightly sand with fine sandpaper (2500 grit or finer). This polishes the raised bright 19C27 layer while leaving the recessed dark 1.4034 layer at depth.

Final Steps

• Rinse and dry completely.

• Apply a protective oil or wax to protect the finish.