Ok so not really My very first knife the first was a R.R. spike knife. But first damascus piece none the less... I only made a test billet so I only is used 1.5 x 2" pieces of 1095 and 15n20. 3 and 4 pieces respectfully. Simpley folded once so 14 layers nothing fancy just squished down into a flat bar and stock removal for the shape.