15N20 2% Nickel Steel

15N20 is a popular type of steel among both novice and professional knifemakers for its ability to produce the bright contrast needed for making Damascus-style steel. It is most commonly paired with 1080 or 1084 steel to create a unique Damascus pattern. 15N20 contains 2% nickel content, which gives it the high contrast compared to the darker 1080 and 1084 steel types. Though you can purchase Damascus steel, forging your own allows you to control the resulting design of your blade. 15N20 comes in a variety of lengths, widths, and heights, ranging from 0.049”x1.5”x12” to 0.049”x2”x12”. Priced between $2 and $4, 15N20 is an inexpensive knifemaking material that allows you to customize any blade.