Damascus steel

noun

Da·​mas·​cus steel də-ˈma-skəs- How to pronounce Damascus steel (audio)
: hard elastic steel ornamented with wavy patterns and used especially for sword blades

Examples of Damascus steel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With blades forged from 67 layers of Damascus steel complemented by African blackwood handles, these knives are designed equally for style and durability. Leah Muncy, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024 Then there’s the British chef and farmer Ben Bodman, who makes carbon Damascus steel knives with swirling patterns on the blades and myrtlewood and rosewood handles in Melksham, a small town in Wiltshire, England, under the label Bodman Blades. Ellie Pithers Wei Tchou Alice Newell-Hanson Caitie Kelly Betsy Horan Jinnie Lee Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 24 July 2023 The total length is 14 3/8-inches, and the high-definition Damascus steel blade measures 9 inches long. Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 19 July 2023 The blade steel: A nakiri’s blade is fairly thin (approximately 1 to 2.5 millimeters) and either made from high-quality carbon steel or Damascus steel, which tends to be harder than that of Western knives. Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2023 Now, the brand is doubling down on its investment in the culinary space with the latest iteration of its legendary Big Bang Unico made of Damascus steel. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2022 These beautiful knives are made of Damascus steel, which is known for being durable and is recognizable by its patterned appearance. Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023 Its staff machines rings from materials that are harder than precious metals, such as tungsten and Damascus steel. Leto Sapunar, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Dec. 2022 This folding knife is forged from Damascus steel and outfitted with a buffalo bone handle. John Thompson, Men's Health, 13 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Damascus steel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Damascus steel was circa 1727

Dictionary Entries Near Damascus steel

Cite this Entry

“Damascus steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Damascus%20steel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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