Learn About Damascus Steel by Lashbrook

Forged steel

damascus steel

by

stronger together

Marriage brings two individuals together. Hand in hand and side by side, they become united. As they work to create a life together, their relationship changes – it becomes stronger. When effort is put into making a great marriage, the result is something beautiful and entirely unique.

Damascus steel wedding bands are symbolic of this idea. Damascus is made by blending two different kinds of stainless steels. It becomes stronger and more durable as skilled artisans twist and fold these metal layers, uniting them to create a one-of-a-kind pattern.

Much like a great marriage Damascus steel requires work to unite the metal layers together, but the result is worth the effort.

what is it?

Damascus Steel rings by Lashbrook are made by hand, mimicking ancient metalsmithing techniques originally used to make samurai swords. Using two alternating types of stainless steel, Lashbrook master craftsman heat, bond, twist and fold the metal layers together to produce vivid patterns.

After patterning the metal, there can be up to 100 layers in each piece of finished Damascus. Each Damascus Steel ring is unique – no two designs will look exactly alike.

unique characteristics The slow, cyclical process of working the metal layers together is what gives Damascus Steel it’s incredibly unique properties. Damascus Steel rings have increased hardness, strength, resistance to shattering, an ability to be honed to a resilient edge, and a unique finish.

Like a fingerprint, no two Damascus rings will have the exact same design and Lashbrook offers two distinctive patterns from which to choose. The standard Damascus is a basic twist pattern, while the other pattern is made from blanks normally used to make knives and swords.

legend This history behind Damascus Steel is one of the most compelling aspects of this metal. Damascus was a type of steel used in the Middle Eastern sword making. While the exact origins of the craft are unknown, the blacksmiths producing Damascus became famous for the quality of their superior weaponry. The name Damascus Steel stems from either the original Syrian blacksmiths originating the art, or the Damask pattern itself.

The technology used to create Damascus Steel became so guarded over the

Standard

centuries it was eventually lost. Modern scientific study has been able to identify many of the original techniques used, but not completely recreate it. Scientists have found nanowires, carbon nanotubes, exotic microalloying elements and characteristics of superplasticity in ancient Damascus swords.

While modern production processes can produce metals with all of these characteristics, the presence of these high-tech elements from an ancient art is what made them so advanced for their time, revered, and eventually the source of legend.

technical details Lashbrook contracts with a local artist renowned for the highest quality Damascus production. Our Damascus Steel uses forging techniques and artistry made possible only by talent perfected over years of experience.

First, the metal layers are stacked in a large billet, then heated to begin the bonding process. While the metal is still hot, a mechanized hammer is used to manipulate the metal by hand. The craftsman twists, turns and folds the metal through cycles of heating, turning, and hammering to create the patterns in the steel.

This hand-made process means that each piece of Damascus will be slightly different. No two rings will ever be identical.

benefits No two pieces will ever be identical Hard and durable The pattern can be seen and felt as it is part of the structure of the metal

Flat Twist

by the numbers

Two Types of alternating Stainless Steel to create pattern.

Damascus Rings can have up to 100 layers of Stainless Steel forged together.

SCRATCH-RESISTANT

3

CRACK-RESISTANT

4

HYPOALLERGENIC

3

DURABILITY

4

WEIGHT

3

CUSTOMIZABLE

3

1

2

3

LOWEST

4

Design and technique originated in third century.

5

HIGHEST

customization & Personalization Damascus Steel rings are very hard and durable with some customization available. Lashbrook produces styles incorporating Damascus Steel in and with contemporary metals, precious metals and combinations of the two. Damascus can be inlaid in the center of a ring or off-center and in the sleeve of a band.

Sizes:

5 - 14 in whole, half and quarter sizes.

Ring Width:

2 - 12+ mm

Insets:

Gemstones and/or diamonds.

Finishes:

Damascus rings can be finished in any combination of acid, beadblast, and polish finishes.

wear & Care All Lashbrook Damascus Steel rings are made with Stainless Steel. Nearly all steels contain nickel, and are not a good choice for those with nickel allergies. The processing of steel to make Damascus leaves the metal approximately twice the hardness of Titanium and Cobalt Chrome. Despite its hardness, Damascus rings will scuff and show wear; however, the pattern and texture of the Damascus hides scratches much better than other rings, making Damascus one of the most durable metals we offer.

Damascus rings should be treated as fine jewelry, and should be removed during harsh activities to avoid scratching. Exposure to salt water and harsh chemicals can make the ring more susceptible to rust.

Cleaning:

While customers can clean Damascus rings with ultrasonic, steam or jewelry cleaner, all touch-ups or refurbishing should be sent to Lashbrook.

Replacement:

All Lashbrook rings carry a lifetime guarantee. If a piece should ever fail because of defect, it will be replaced free of charge. Loss and theft are also covered under the guarantee. Any ring that is lost or stolen may be replaced with the payment of the claim fee.* This policy does not apply to custom rings. Call to inquire about the cost to exchange or replace a custom ring as the cost will vary based on the complexity and style of each custom ring.

* 40% of the original wholesale cost.

FAQ’S Q: How will the different finishes change the appearance of the metal?

A: Bead blast finish offers an even matte appearance. Polish finish makes the metal bright and shiny. Acid finish highlights the stark contrast between the alternating metal layers in Damascus.

Q: I was hoping to see more of a contrast in my acid-finished Damascus Steel band. Why isn’t it as dark as I was hoping?

A: One of the characteristics of Damascus Steel is that each piece is unique. That means that each batch varies in coloration - as does the acid coloring.

Q: I really like the acid finish because it shows the stark contrast betwen the two metals. How does the acid finish wear over time?

A: Over time, normal wear will result in the acid finish fading. The acid finish can be re-applied to the ring when it has worn off and Lashbrook stands ready to re-finish the ring anytime for free.