That is all great info Karl. Thanks! It is cool you have found your own way to weld up San Mai. The billet I just forged out I welded all the way around and forged it all the way out and thinned to about 3/16". When I went to make my knife out of it yesterday I etched it and was surprised to see how far back into the billet the weld went along the edges. I thought I had a nice wide billet, but 3/4" was weld. Next time I will definitely grind my weld of before reducing so much.

Posted by: @shane-atwood

 Next time I will definitely grind my weld of before reducing so much.

This is one I just finished.

I will also show how I forged that billet. I band saw cut the tip so as to keep the core in the center.

The tang and ricasso I forge to shape.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that if a smith doesn't forge his San-mai on the bias then he has no idea how good his welds are.

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I don't use cerikote...it doesn't work well for clear coating Damascus.  I use either Gun-Kote, or another product called Molyresin..... just do a google search for either.  I presonally use the satin clear most of the time, however there are some instances I also use gloss clear.   DO NOT buy/try to use the aresol cans, they spary too heavy of an amount.  Get in liquid and use an air brush to apply it.