close up picture of a copper infused san mai damascus billet in ladder pattern, forged by vegas forge
picture of a copper infused san mai damascus billet in ladder pattern, forged by vegas forge
close up on a knife made from vegas forge copper infused ladder san mai
close up picture of a copper infused san mai damascus billet in ladder pattern, forged by vegas forge
picture of a copper infused san mai damascus billet in ladder pattern, forged by vegas forge
close up on a knife made from vegas forge copper infused ladder san mai

Ladder Copper Infused San Mai

Regular price $227.00
Regular price Sale price $227.00
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Copper Infused “Ladder” San Mai Billet, a new creation in the world of San Mai Damascus. This billet features either 0-1 or 1095 core steel which are known for its excellent edge retention and toughness. Jacketing this core are thin layers of nickel that provide enhanced brightness, while subsequent thicker layers of copper add a unique aesthetic flair. The outermost layers are composed of our Carbon Ladder Damascus (1075/Nickel) which is known for its traditional pattern.

These layers are all stacked and fused together, creating a billet that is not only visually stunning but also unparalleled in performance. This Copper Infused Ladder San Mai Billet represents our dedication to craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with innovative materials for a truly exceptional creation.

How to Heat Treat Carbon (1075) Damascus

Coating: ATP-641, Turco, or similar high temperatureanti-scale/decarburization coatings can be used in replace of foil to reduce scale or surface decarburization.

Data is representative of controlled heat treating equipment (e.g. oven,salts, etc.) temperatures and industrial standard quenchant.

Suggested quench oil: Parks 50–expected as quenched hardness may be lower if a slower quench oil or non-industrial quench medium is used.

Austenizing: Austenizing temperature (1,450 to 1,480°F /801°C) Soak time varies 5 to 15 minutes based on heat treating equipment and cross section–soak times are reduced to minimum for people heat treating in a forge–forge heat treating without PID temperature control limits accurate means of maintaining temperature. If using calibrated, proper industrial equipment for heat treating, use the supplied extended soak times based on over all steel thickness.

**Do not put blades in oven when cold, insert at or just below austenizing temperature–temperature variances is for difference in stock thicknesses and a window of margin for error.

Tempering: Once blade is quenched and near ambient temperature, blades should be tempered accordingly, the times suggested are to ensure even, consistent temperature.Figures supplied are as representative of industrial standards.*If using a small toaster oven or household kitchen oven for tempering, using a blade holding rack made from kiln furniture, a roasting tray lined with fine sand, or similar large object will help retain thermal mass to reduce wide swinging temperatures as the device fluctuates trying to maintain temperature.

Note: Final hardness values vary based on initial as-quenched hardness and percentage of conversion to Martensite. Only reliable testing methods, e.g. calibrated Rockwell hardness tester, can provide actual hardness values–hardness calibrated files and chisels are relative testing methods and inaccurate for true hardness value reading.

Temper twice for 2hrs.

Temperature Hardness (2hour x2 guidline)
300°F / 149°C 65
350°F / 177°C 63-64
400°F / 204°C 60-61
450°F / 232°C 57-58
500°F / 260°C 55-56
550°F / 288°C 53-54
600°F / 316°C 52-53

How to Heat Treat Carbon (0-1) Damascus

Coating: ATP-641, Turco, or similar high temperature anti-scale/decarburization coatings can be used in replace of foil to reduce scale or surface decarburization.

Preheating: Heat oven to 1300°F and place material in oven.

Austenitizing (High Heat): Heat slowly (400°F a/hr) from the preheat to 1475-1500°F (802-816C)

Soak for 30 minutes for the first inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, plus 15 minutes for each additional inch (25.4 mm).

Quenching: Oil quench to a temperature no lower than 150-125°F (66-51°C).

***Note: O-1 is somewhat prone to quench cracking, especially if there are significant changes in section thickness and sharp internal corners. The oil quenching should be performed so that the heat removal is as uniform as possible in all areas of the part being quenched. Be sure to remove the part from the oil before the temperature drops to ambient temperature.

Suggested quench oil: Parks AAA, McMaster 11-second, Houghton G–expected as quenched hardness may be lower if a slower quench oil or non-industrial quench medium is used. Parks 50 is not recommended. Heat oil at a temperature of 300 to 400°F (149-204°C) is recommended.

Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching. Do not allow the part to cool below 125°F (51°C). The typical tempering range is 350 – 400°F (177 -204°C).

Hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, 2 hours minimum, then air cool to ambient temperature.

To minimize internal stresses in cross sections greater than 3 inches (76.2 mm) and to improve stability in parts that will be EDM’d after heat treatment, a soaking time of 4 to 6 hours at the tempering temperature is strongly recommended.

How to Heat Treat Carbon (1095) Damascus

Coating: ATP-641, Turco, or similar high temperature anti-scale/decarburization coatings can be used in replace of foil to reduce scale or surface decarburization.

Austenizing: Heat oven to Austenizing temperature (1475°F / 800°C)

When oven reaches Austenizing temperature, place material in oven and soak for 10 minutes. Soak time can vary from 5 to 15 minutes based on heat treating equipment and cross section but in most cases, a 10 minute soak time is ideal.

**Do not put blades in oven when cold, insert at or just below austenizing temperature–temperature variances is for difference in stock thicknesses and a window of margin for error.

Quenching: Suggested quench oil: Parks 50–expected as quenched hardness may be lower if a slower quench oil or non-industrial quench medium is used.

Tempering: Typical harnesses of 1095 carbon steel after tempering for 2 hours at different temperatures
Grade Temperature, °C (°F) Rockwell hardness, HRC
1095 high carbon steel, carbon content: 0.95% 205°C (400°F) 58 HRC
260°C (500°F) 57 HRC
315°C (600°F) 52 HRC
370°C (700°F) 47 HRC
425°C (800°F) 43 HRC
480°C (900°F) 42 HRC
540°C (1000°F) 41 HRC
595°C (1100°F) 40 HRC
650°C (1200°F) 33 HRC