Was wondering if I where to take two different metals Ie: O1 and I dunno rebar or something of the sort. What could be the possible outcome and what would you suggest? The reason why I ask is because I was watching about how the wulfbairt (so sorry) was made and was thinking.... what would happen with my inexpearanced had at this... would it be a crappy alloy that is one piece with no pattern or would it be a bad mix? What would you suggest as this would be my first attempt at any kind of Damascus. I have forge welded but haven't jumped into the deep end of the pool as it where yet. (Gulp, dips toes in) lol
stay away from rebar even weldable stuff can be fragile. The 01 not a bad choice but to get distinctive patterns add in 15N20 with whatever other steel you choose. bearings and races are not bad if picked up for free, leaf and coil springs also work. Old files as the core and mower blade as the outer shell for a Sanmai blade, mower blades are low carbon but micro alloyed for durability and flexibility so there is low risk of shattering upon impact. Rebar is up there with railroad spikes maybe a novelty and real cheap but not the best choice for a functioning knife. For learning and making mistakes on then moving onto other steels either will work.
As a general rule, nickel content is the simplest way to get high contrast damascus. 15N20 (2% nickel) is sort of the standard choice but I would think anything over 1% nickel would at least give clear differentiation.
your best option would be to use 15n20 and 1084 for simplicity. Both weld easily and heat treat procedure is fairly similar for both lending to a good performing blade. O1 is a relatively poor choice for damascus or san mai, as it has big issues with red short, which means if it gets too hot it tends to split and crumble. The steel will be the cheapest part of the damascus when you look at time and fuel used so i would work with known steel for your best shot at a quality end result
