Mr. Ulrich Gerfin arose my interest in pattern-welded steel in 1999. Since then, I pursue a hobby with steel, both from the practical and theoretical point of view. I mainly forge steels for cutting tools with the objective of improving the cutting performance.

The performance capability can be raised by using certain construction types (Norwegian style, micro interlock) or differential hardening. In both cases compressive stress is generated in the cutting edge, hence raising the load carrying capacity of the cutting edge (cracks do not grow in areas of compression, inhibited by the non-opening of the crack).

My personal interest belongs especially to the shear steels. Small impurities in form
of micro-inclusions along the welds are likely to increase the cutting-performance by impeding the grain growth, especially across the welds. Therefore a layer thickness in the range of 25,000 layers per inch, in combination with these impurities, is capable of forcing a grain refinement.

Most of the commercially offered Damascene steels are only suitable for decoration purposes. The superb quality of modern tool-steels cannot be raised by contemporary pattern-welding techniques; in contrast, a decrease in quality is likely. For commercial use, the performance-increasing techniques are not suitable due to their extensive production expenses.

The widespread interest in this topic, and finally the repetitively asked questions, convinced me to create these pages about modern pattern-welded steels. They are intended for both smiths and interested collectors. Besides different patterns the metallurgic fundamentals are presented.




© 2005 G.v.Tardy