Knife Making

420HC is a mid-grade martensitic stainless steel—essentially an “improved” 420—with extra carbon and a forgiving heat-treat range that lets manufacturers deliver respectable hardness (≈ 56–60 HRC) and very high corrosion resistance at budget-friendly prices.

Canister Damascus or canned Damascus is a composite steel made by placing solid and powdered steels in an airtight environment inside a metal canister, and forge welding them together at high temperature and pressure.

The Rockwell hardness test is a commonly used method for measuring the hardness of a material. The test involves applying a specific load to an indenter that is pressed into the material, and the depth of the resulting indentation is measured. This test is widely used in quality control, material selection, and research and development, and is an important tool for determining a material's mechanical properties. 

Damascus – this appealing yet enigmatic steel has captured the imagination of many bladesmiths and knife lovers. The material provides an extremely tough, strong blade that can endure gross impact with a very little degradation of the edge. Historical Damascus’s great edge retention and an inability to shatter even under severe abuse is a rare feature even by today’s standards. Many layers of a Damascus blade welded together form multiple bands and mottling patterns that are inviting to the eye and unique in each blade.

Mosaic Damascus Steel is a type of pattern-welded steel renowned for its intricate designs and exceptional durability. This results in each Mosaic Damascus piece being a unique blend of art and functionality.

N690 steel has a loyal following among knife makers and users who want a stainless blade that punches above its price point without straying into “super-steel” territory.

Scrimshaw is a traditional folk art form in which fanciful designs are carved into bone or faux ivory, then colored with ink. The maritime art form originated around late 17th century from commercial whaling and reached its peak by the mid-19th century. Whale’s teeth, walrus tusks or elephant ivory were used as scrimshaw material.

The art of coloring Damascus steel merges ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity, offering endless possibilities for customizing metalwork.

Bertie Rietveld stands out for his innovative and exquisite Dragonskin Damascus steel. Rietveld, a South African blacksmith with a global reputation, has redefined the aesthetic and functional standards of Damascus steel through his unique pattern.