Yes. Damascus steel’s legendary strength comes from the intricate nature of the forging process, which requires an incredible amount of skill. The process starts with a sheet of iron or steel that is layered with alternating bands of hard and soft metals. When this is heated in a forge, these bands are melded together to create an incredibly strong material that can withstand high levels of stress without breaking. This ancient metalwork technique was once popular and renowned among smiths, but because it is a very difficult process to master, its popularity eventually waned. Over time, the secret of Damascus steel’s production was lost.