Vlakvark Damascus
VLAKVARK DAMASCUS
We at Clarke Knives are developing a range of Vlakvark Damascus (yes, I know it’s properly called Pattern Welded Steel but it’s easier to write Damascus 😊 😊 😊). They are made from European Steel at the Vlakvark Forge in Wiltshire.
We will be offering billets for sale, generally from 2.5 to 4 mm thick and 30 – 50 mm wide in various lengths. We may be able to supply wider and thicker billets on request. If you have specific billet size & pattern requirements please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Initially we are using 1080 & 15N20 steels to make a few simple patterns such as twist, ladder, raindrop and random. Later, (probably early 2021) we will be developing more complex and mosaic patterns.
Damascus is traditionally etched in Ferric Chloride to develop the light and dark grey pattern. It can also be etched in a hot, enhanced caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution when not only light and dark shades will be developed but shades of red, blue and green can often be seen as well. Hot Bluing, as the process is known, does need it’s own special set-up though using a stainless steel bath (a Bain Marie works well) that can be heated and the temperature carefully controlled.
Another advantage of the Hot Bluing process is that the chemicals do not etch deeply into the steel surface as does Ferric Chloride. A fine finish, typically #1000 – #1500 grit is required before hot bluing otherwise sanding lines will be visible in the finished product.
Details of the Hot Bluing process are available from graham@clarkeknives.co.uk
Initially we are selling Vlakvark Damascus by circulating offerings via a subscribed mailing list. They will be offered for general sale on social media 5 days later if still unsold. Later we will be selling through our online shop.
If you or anyone you know would like to be added to the mailing list please send a request to graham@clarkeknives.co.uk
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