A second family was released in 2006 that featured ladder patterned Damascus blades.

Wootz swords, especially Damascus blades, were renowned for their sharpness and toughness.

But the really good steel, the Damascus blade of the Arabs, had to be quenched in blood.

Here is a Damascus blade, such as you may search through nature in vain to parallel, laid up on the shelf in some village to rust and ruin.

Their cimeters were of the keenest Damascus blades, with sheaths richly wrought and enamelled, and belts of golden filagree studded with gems.

"I have a sheath knife with a Damascus blade," Platt said.

Since the well-known technique of pattern welding produced surface patterns similar to those found on Damascus blades, some believe that Damascus blades were made using this technique.

"A jeweled fifteenth-century skean dhu and a priceless Damascus blade," Tom said, smiling beatifically.

Look at the Damascus blades.

With the razor-sharp Damascus blade they opened a vein in their right wrists, then massaged the arm until the blood was flowing bright and warm down into their cupped palms.