Damascening

An ancient process of ornamenting a metal surface with pattern. In the early middle ages swords with this pattern were said to be from Damascus, made by repeatedly welding, drawing out and doubling up a bar composed of a mixture of iron and steel. The surface was later treated with acid to darken the steel areas. Ferrite remains bright. In the East the process of inlaying metal on metal is common, particularly in parts of Iraq and India, where it is known as Kuft work. -See Watered Steel.