The generic term "damascus" is used to imply the high quality of steel. The designation comes from the first Crusaders who, around the year 1000, discovered the extraordinary steel used by the Saracens for their blades.
• How is a damascus blade forged?
The main technique for reproducing damascene steel and its patterns in steel is to skilfully accumulate together layers upon layers of hard and soft steel then bringing out the layering by a final treatment that highlights the blade's unique aspect.
The result is an unusual, exceptional blade with perfect aesthetics.
The damascene technique also brings a certain suppleness to blades with a very hard core, increasing their solidity.
• More about juniper wood...
Juniper is the enemy of chainsaws because it is so very hard and dense. The heartwood is virtually impervient to rot. That's how robust it is!
It is a wood particularly sought after by wood-turners for its pleasant smell and the beauty of its growth rings.