Damascus / watered steel

Ottoman & Central Asia tradition · 3 examples · indicative market tier: $5k–50k (serious collector)

Damascus steel (Arabic: فولاذ دمشقي, romanized: fūlāḏ Damašqiyy) is the high-carbon crucible steel of the blades of historical swords forged using the wootz process in the Near East, characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water, sometimes in a "ladder" or "rose" pattern. Damascus steel was reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge. This is not to be confused with damascene, which is a form of metal inlaying. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Where to buy

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