Blacksmithing and forging involve heating metal until it becomes malleable and then shaping it into various objects using tools like hammers, tongs, and anvils.
One of the techniques used by blacksmiths is canister damascus, which involves layering different types of steel to create a unique pattern.
But did you know that blacksmiths use white-out in this process?
In this blog post, we’ll explore why blacksmiths use white-out and how it helps them create beautiful canister damascus.
What is Canister Damascus?
Canister damascus is a technique used by blacksmiths to create intricate patterns on steel. It involves placing pieces of steel inside a canister along with a powdered material like coffee grounds or clay.
The canister is then sealed and heated until the steel fuses together. When the canister is opened, the steel has formed a unique pattern due to the powdered material creating an uneven distribution of carbon.
Why Do Blacksmiths Use White-Out?
White-out is a correction fluid that is commonly used to cover mistakes on paper. But in blacksmithing, it serves a different purpose.
When creating canister damascus, blacksmiths use white-out as an anti-scale agent. Scale refers to the oxidation that occurs when metal is heated at high temperatures. It forms a layer of rust on the surface of the metal, which can make it difficult to work with.
By applying white-out to the inside of the canister before adding the powdered material and steel, blacksmiths create an air-tight seal that prevents oxygen from reaching the metal.
This reduces the amount of scale that forms during heating and makes it easier for them to achieve clean welds between layers of steel.
Other Uses for White-Out in Blacksmithing
In addition to its use in canister damascus, white-out has other applications in blacksmithing as well.
For example, some blacksmiths use it as a masking agent when silver soldering jewelry pieces together. It prevents solder from flowing into unwanted areas and ruining the design.
Conclusion
Blacksmithing is an art form that requires skill and patience. Canister damascus is just one of many techniques used by blacksmiths to create beautiful objects from metal.
By using white-out as an anti-scale agent during this process, they can achieve cleaner welds and better results overall.
Whether you’re new to blacksmithing or have been practicing for years, understanding why certain materials are used can help you improve your craft.
