M-48 Tank Barrel Damascus
Introducing the M-48 Tank Barrel Damascus Steel Billets, expertly forged by BALBACHDAMAST® in Germany. These rare, non-stainless billets are designed for discerning knifemakers and jewelry makers who value distinctive patterns and historical materials in their high-quality creations.
The M-48 tank, a key component in the composition of the M-48 Damascus Steel Billets, boasts a rich history in the annals of American military engineering. Developed in the late 1940s and entering service in 1952, the M-48 Patton was designed as the United States' primary main battle tank during the early stages of the Cold War. Named after General George S. Patton, the tank played a vital role in strengthening the US Army and NATO allies during heightened global tension. The M-48 was renowned for its robust armor, strong firepower, and versatile design, allowing for upgrades and modifications throughout its service life. Equipped with a 90mm main gun, later models saw improvements in firepower with the M68 105mm gun. The decommissioned barrels from these historic tanks have been repurposed to create the remarkable M-48 Damascus Steel Billets, connecting past military prowess with present-day artisanal excellence.
M-48 Damascus Steel Billet:
- Hand-crafted 320-layer, high-carbon Damascus steel
- Available in a captivating wild or band pattern
- Crafted of robust cannon barrel steel from M-48 tanks and tool steel
- Reaches a hardness of 63 HRC or higher upon hardening
This exclusive M-48 Damascus steel is offered in limited quantities; only 66 inches are available, making it a truly special addition to any project. The billets are delivered soft-annealed, un-etched, and precision flat-ground to ensure the utmost quality for your crafting needs. They can be etched deeply and darkly, accentuating their striking patterns.
REMAINING STOCK:
Band Pattern: 9 of 31 inches
Wild Pattern: 3 of 35 inches
Shipping / Returns
- Free Shipping over $50
- 30 Day Worry-Free Returns
Unit Conversion
- 40x6mm
- 1.5748 x 0.23622 inches
- 40x6mm
Hardening / Tempering / Annealing
Hardening:
- Heat the steel in the furnace to 1562°F (850°C) for a holding time of 5 minutes.
- Rapidly quench in oil.
- Deep freezing after hardening is optional but recommended.
Tempering:
To convert the steel structure into tempered martensite and adjust its hardness after hardening, perform tempering for at least 2 hours.
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Temper for 2 hours at 302°F (150°C)
Annealing:
To prevent cracks or breaks after hot working, follow this soft annealing process:
- Heat the material in an oven to 1382°F (750°C)
- Maintain a holding time of 2 hours at 1382°F (750°C)
- Maintain a holding time of 2 hours at 1256°F (680°C)
- Cool the material slowly in a furnace
- Remove it from the furnace when the temperature is below 570°F (300°C).
Etching
Bring the Damascus Steel to a Finish:
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Sand the hardened Damascus steel to a 400-grit finish, or up to 1200-grit depending on preference, and give it a hand satin finish. Do not buff the steel after sanding.
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Wash the steel and dry it with a clean cloth. Clean the steel of any residue using denatured alcohol. Avoid using acetone.
Etching:
- Observe safety precautions and warnings for handling acid and wear protective gear.
- For carbon steels, dilute ferric acid with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio and heat the solution to 122°F (50°C) in a water bath.
- Five or more, shorter etches are recommended. Brushing the steel with an old toothbrush during each etch will produce an even result.
- After etching, neutralize the steel thoroughly with bicarbonate soda to prevent further corrosion.
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Reviews
As always these guys come thru with the most spectacular materials for the best price. Here’s a tank barrel blade I made recently. Thanks again for the epic goods guys!
Just a test