When you're creating custom knives, especially Damascus patterns, the quality of your steel matters more than anything. Our 15N20 steel flat stock gives you the perfect foundation for bringing your blade visions to life. This isn't just any steel—it's specifically formulated for knife making, with the ideal carbon content and composition for creating those beautiful, layered patterns that make Damascus blades so sought after.
What makes 15N20 steel special? It's all about the chemistry. This high-carbon steel contains nickel, which gives it exceptional toughness while still maintaining the edge-holding properties you need in a quality knife. When forge-welded with other steels like 1084, it creates those striking contrast patterns that Damascus steel is famous for. The 1/8" thickness is perfect for folding and forging—thick enough to maintain structural integrity during forging, thin enough to work with comfortably.
Whether you're a seasoned professional bladesmith or just starting out, this steel delivers consistent performance. Each piece measures 12" x 1.5" x 1/8", giving you plenty of material to work with for multiple projects. The cold-rolled finish ensures uniform thickness and surface quality, so you don't have to worry about inconsistencies that can affect your final result. Plus, with four pieces in each set, you'll have enough steel to experiment with different patterns and techniques.
Working with 15N20 steel is a pleasure. It forge-welds beautifully, accepts heat treatment reliably, and takes a razor-sharp edge that holds up well under use. The nickel content gives it that distinctive bright contrast when etched, making your Damascus patterns pop. Many experienced smiths prefer 15N20 specifically because of how forgiving it is to work with while still producing professional-grade results.
Imagine the satisfaction of holding a custom knife you made yourself, with those stunning Damascus patterns that tell the story of craftsmanship and dedication. This steel is your starting point for that journey. Whether you're making hunting knives, kitchen cutlery, or collector pieces, you can trust that 15N20 will give you the performance and beauty you're looking for in your final creation.
