Damascus steel

American  

noun

1. hand-wrought steel, made in various Asian countries, from parts of a bloom of heterogeneous composition, repeatedly folded over and welded and finally etched to reveal the resulting grain: used especially for sword blades.

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Damascus steel British  

noun

1. history a hard flexible steel with wavy markings caused by forging the metal in strips: used for sword blades

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Etymology

Origin of Damascus steel

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

“Being back in the studio helps give me a sense of normalcy,” Berkofsky said as he hammered the red-hot Damascus steel on an anvil.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

His most valuable piece is a Luftwaffe sword with a Damascus steel blade, worth $12,000.

From The Guardian • Dec. 30, 2015

He makes Bowie knives, hunting knives and daggers using mammoth bone, gold wire inlay and Damascus steel, which he forges.

From Washington Times • Aug. 3, 2015

But the idea to start experimenting with Damascus steel was more of an accident than the first step in a plan to produce knives.

From Forbes • Mar. 27, 2015

The blade, of finest temper and Damascus steel, was triangular, with keen edges; and the point, as sharp as a needle, would have pierced a shilling without turning the edge.

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 5 of 6 by Sue, Eugène