Dreaming in Steel: The Story Behind Our Collaboration with Damasteel
By Josh Blunt – February 18, 2025
What happens when precision engineering meets centuries-old metal artistry? For me, that question was answered the moment I crossed paths with Damasteel AB, a Swedish company that reimagines Damascus steel through modern metallurgy. What started as a creative spark has evolved into a decade-long collaboration that continues to shape the core of my work at JBlunt Designs.
The Unexpected Journey from Engineering to Jewelry
Before founding my jewelry studio, I worked in engineering—a field where precision, structure, and process rule. That mindset carried over when I began crafting jewelry, but I quickly realized I needed more than technical skill to create something truly meaningful. I needed materials that told stories.
Damascus steel always intrigued me, but the carbon-based varieties common in knife-making posed problems for fine jewelry—they rusted, they layered unevenly, and they weren’t hypoallergenic. That changed the day I discovered Damasteel’s stainless Damascus, which offered beauty, reliability, and a consistency I hadn’t found anywhere else.
Their patented powder metallurgy didn’t just solve those problems—it opened an entirely new world of possibilities.
Why Damasteel Became My Go-To Material
Jewelry isn’t just art—it’s worn, touched, and lived in every day. That’s why material matters. Damasteel’s steel is as durable as it is beautiful, with patterns that echo ancient blacksmithing traditions while meeting modern expectations.
Here’s why I chose it—and continue to choose it—for nearly all of my custom Damascus pieces:
Pattern consistency: Every billet is dependable, allowing me to design with precision and confidence.
Hypoallergenic stainless steel: Safe for sensitive skin, unlike traditional carbon Damascus.
Corrosion resistance: No rust, no delamination—just lasting beauty that ages with character.
Each piece begins with hours of preparation, even before the etching starts. It’s a meticulous process, but one that Damasteel’s quality makes not only possible—but enjoyable.
What We’ve Built Together
Over the years, our relationship with Damasteel has gone far beyond basic supplier logistics. We’ve collaborated, experimented, and tested together—refining patterns, pushing materials to their limits, and even developing new techniques to bring out the soul of the steel.
Some of our shared accomplishments include:
Custom etching methods for deeper pattern definition
Innovative stone settings that work with, not against, the steel’s natural flow
Unique finishing techniques that create color and texture variations found nowhere else
These breakthroughs have helped put JBlunt Designs on the map internationally, but more importantly, they’ve allowed us to craft one-of-a-kind pieces that connect deeply with clients around the world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Our Collaboration
Innovation is the heart of what we do. Damasteel continues to experiment, and I continue to push my designs forward—whether that’s through complex ring builds, intricate pendants, or unexpected side projects that break from jewelry altogether.
The trust we’ve built means I get to dream freely, knowing the material will rise to the occasion. That’s a rare thing in this industry—and it’s something I don’t take for granted.
A Favorite Moment: The Damasteel Flashlight That Started as a Dream
People often ask if I have a favorite piece, and the truth is—there are too many. I’ve made over 2,500 rings and custom items to date, and with each one comes a unique story and a real connection.
But one project stands out—not because it was the most complex or the most expensive—but because it was completely unexpected.
A while back, I decided to combine my past life as a technician with my current role as a jeweler. I’d always relied on a quality pen light for tough, low-light jobs, and I thought: What if I made one… but out of Damasteel?
That spark led to the creation of the first-ever LUCIA pen-style flashlight—a fully functional, sleek EDC tool crafted entirely from Damasteel. It was one of the few pieces I truly hesitated to sell… but off it went to a collector in Germany who couldn’t let it go. And honestly, I don’t blame him.
Final Thoughts
The partnership between JBlunt Designs and Damasteel isn’t just a supply chain—it’s a shared vision of what handcrafted jewelry can become. Every piece tells a story. Every ring or pendant reflects years of exploration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we look ahead, the mission remains the same: keep dreaming, keep experimenting, and keep creating jewelry that means something—to you, to me, and to everyone who wears it.
— Josh Blunt
