Timascus consists of two or more titanium alloys that are corrosion resistant, non-magnetic and lightweight. It has a beautiful, upscale steel Damascus look, without any of the shortcomings of steel that can disappoint some tool makers and collectors.
The timascus is manufactured by placing the two different titanium alloys in a metal box, filling the outer casing with an inert gas and applying heat and pressure to forge the two alloys together.
When tinted, the current formulation appears to use heat rather than anodizing to show more contrast. All currently safe coloring techniques can be applied to Timascus. Future alloy combinations will have different color configurations.
Working Timascus is basically the same as any other titanium alloy except for milling. Mixed type titanium has different hardnesses sandwiched throughout the bar. Different hard and soft zones can cause tool cutting edges to wear out. Use rounded tools because they stay better during processing.
Timascus combines old world decorating techniques with modern metalwork.