Knife Makers interview series

[DevinT]

The hammer is a 150Kg Beche. It is very close to a Nazel, maybe even designed by the same engineers. I love this hammer.

The rolling mill is made by Lewis and is a 50 hp.

I made my first damascus in 1986 after reading about cable damascus from Wayne Goddard. Soon after my first piece I built a 100# mechanical hammer. Some of my first patterns were twist, ladder, and composite.

Early on I asked a lot of questions to Darrel Meyer, Wayne Goddard, Jim Hrisoulas, Tim Zowada, and a few others that I will remember after I finish posting.

As far as I know, I was the first to use patterning dies, boxed billets, make spirograph,along with other patterns, and me and Ed Schempp developed the current method of using powdered steels in the making of damascus independent of others that were dabbling with the stuff.

I am known now for making production damascus in medium complex patterns and alloys.

Hoss

[Ed Schempp]

In 1993 I traded Devin a knife for a stainless damascus billet. We been friends ever since. I've used quite a bit of Devins steel, it has all been uniform and inclusion free, a real consistant product. When I started making steel Devin was my go to guy and always had knowledge about the process that very few posess. Devins process for making steel is about exact contol, time temp and methodology. He is the guy that has influenced my technique the most. Devin probably cringes when I say that, but it is true.

Devin was heavily insrumental in the development of the 1084/15N20 mix most guys in the US use in their high Carbon steel damascus.

Devin instructed at a hammer I had in 98, he taught how to make mokume gane.

Another gift that Devin gave to the knife world is his son Larin, bright like his dad I'm sure that their discussions almost required a metallurgy degree. I believe that Larin is working on his Master in metallurgy and will be a great assest to the industry.

Devin's stainless damascus steel changed the industry.

I just had to fill in some info that I believe Devin left out...Take care...Ed

[raisedbybrocks]

Thanks Devin and Ed, thats mind blowing stuff for me and a great read. Its taken me a while to be able to read even the simpler patterns in damascus, the blacksmith brain evolved largely in 2 dimensions. I expect you must see patterns in your head in 3 dimensions after all these years
The regular nature and perfect repeatability is something that astounds me in your damascus, as well as the fact that you can do most in stainless.
If you can share some picture examples that would be great.
Speaking of Larin, it must be a great feeling to be able to work with Larin in his field of metallurgy. Do you have any other sons or friends helping you out on a day to day basis? I know the damascus must be pretty much full time on its own without the kitchen knives.
Thanks
Will

[Mick Maxen]

And

[raisedbybrocks]

I don't rightly know, except there are some technical issues. I'll give Devin a ring and see whats up.

[raisedbybrocks]

Things should be back on track soon. To build some interest, here are some drool worthy pieces from Devin, pieces which have had a great impact on me. And of course they are all kitchen knives




Feather Pattern....In stainless






And this....

The composite Damascus on this one, stainless also I believe.

[Benji]

Love that stainless feather pattern, Devin Thomas makes some amazing damascus. I'm keeping an eye on this thread, great stories

[DevinT]

Thanks Will,

My son John works for me full time. He does the basic prep work on the handles for knives and billets of damascus.

We just finished a kitchen knife. I'll see if Will can put a pic up for me.

Hoss

[raisedbybrocks]

Here we go Hoss



That is a hansom knife. Tell us about the spec and steels Hoss.

And on the subject of steels, you deliver a fine array of damascus mixes and san mai, both carbon and stainless. The endless search for perfection I guess. There is an excellent section on steel selection on your website, (well worth a read btw) composed by Larrin.
But to date what is your favorite damascus mix for a fine edge like a kitchen knife?
And to add to that question, how much has steel really changed in your time as a maker. I tend to feel that many of the very good carbon steels have been around for a good long while in some shape or form, but what about stainless. I remember reading some posts by Larrin on the subject of Aeb-l that suggests it has been around for some time. Have things moved on? Or is it just knowledge and understanding of smiths that has shifted....
One of my best shaving razors is of Sheffield cast steel and it always has me wondering if things went backwards before going forwards.



If anyone else has any questions or comments for Devin please chime in.

[raisedbybrocks]

Come on chaps some love and appreciation for Hoss and his work if you please.

[raisedbybrocks]

I just have to post this one, Hoss's latest. A 300mm Gyuto in a composite pattern. I love it.




Please be forthcoming with your comments , I believe Hoss is not used to the one on one interview style, and feels a bit lonely here so get involved and ask some questions while we have the opportunity.
Many thanks
Will

[Cody2]

Im nearly at a loss for words! Stunning work! Really, im quite impressed.

Whats the difference in working with stainless? does it require hotter temps? does it weld together easily?

[raisedbybrocks]

Thanks Cody, I know Devin will appreciate that, i'm giving this a bump, as i'm not sure the BB system has bumped it up with past posts or updated the last postie. I know you guys will be wanting to give more response than has been posted, and ask a heap of questions. Give it some love and we will get the big fella back in here to answer your questions.

[Greenbeast]

That pattern is seriously something else.

Devin, does it take a lot of prior though to work out a pattern like that?

[DevinT]

Thanks everyone.

Stainless requires less temperature than carbon steels. If you get stainless too hot the grain boundries will melt and the steel will crumble.

Pattern developement requires careful planning and experience. Some guys I know don't use any math and come up with some great patterns. For me I seem to need to use the math to keep things like I like them.

Most new patterns that I try are a flop, yet with every failure I learn some thing to help me the next time I try something new. Some times I hit a home run and some times I strike out, luckily, my batting average is getting better.

Hoss