Named for the ancient center of trade, Damascus steel was renowned for its hardness and flexibility-opposite qualities combined in a single material by blending two metals. Soft iron and hard steel were fused by fire welding into numerous thin layers.

Though the process is synonymous with sword making in popular usage, Damascus steelmaking (more properly called "pattern welded steel") was once used for making many hardened steel objects.

This billet is one I've recently completed, and is composed of 576 alternating layers of soft wrought iron and hard spring steel.