Pattern welded steel, or Damascus, is an age-old technique long associated with high quality items and masters of the craft. In this intense two-day class, students will discover the endless possibilities of this entrancing material. Well-made beautiful tools are a pleasure to use, and tools made from Damascus steel are sure to become favorites. Students will learn the basics of forge welding and pattern development through the lens of simple struck tools. Students will have the option to forge out a center punch and nail set, or a scriber or marking knife. Time allowing, a compass or divider may also be an option. Beginning with several pieces of 1084 and 15n20, students will assemble a small billet of Damascus steel. Participants will forge weld these billets under a hydraulic press. These initial billets will be drawn out and manipulated for pattern before being forged into a tool. After forging, the tools will be ground, heat treated, polished and etched in ferric chloride to reveal the pattern. This class will cover not only the theory of forge welding but will also the methods of pattern development, polishing, and etching techniques for Damascus, as well as the basics of heat treatment. The class will be a wonderful start to anyone interested in the art of Damascus.