First Damascus try…

[Kev]

It’s kind of hard to get a clean picture but here it is.

This was an exercise in trial and error with zero regard or planning for end product rather than just to gain some experience. I accomplished that in spades, and ended up with 2 smallish bullets that I should be able to turn into knives.

This is a piece cut from the end, the billets should have a little more character.

 

[Chris Railey]

Yep, you have the illness. Presses are next. Good job on getting the welds to stick.

 

[Kev]

The beginnings of a. Little knife from that billet.

 

[KenH]

You did good with that Damascus - sounds like you used the "baking soda" method - Arm 'n Hammer. Go for a press - MUCH easier.

 

[Kev]

You did good with that Damascus - sounds like you used the "baking soda" method - Arm 'n Hammer. Go for a press - MUCH easier.

I actually made a press using an air of hydraulic Jack from harbor freight. I posted it up here something like shoulder saver 3000.
It definitely has my mind going toward bigger and better equipment

 

[KenH]

Yep, I remember that thread, just didn't make the connection. MUCH MUCH better than the old "Arm 'n Hammer" method. I did a few billets that way - I hope NEVER again.