Damascus Steels

Three types of this steel exist in the greater kingdom, Human Damascus, Gnomish Damascus, and Dwarven Damascus. Much to the annoyance of many master smiths, they are generally referred to by their common names. Damascus steel, Gnomish steel, and Dwarven steel. Just steel doesn't get the point across to the difference in these materials. 
All Damascus steel is a pattern welded steel, that resembles the grain of wood or stripped stones. They are made of a softer steel and a harder steel, generally of a different carbon content. These are then forged together and folded to mix the two materials, and shaped. After the product has been made, the product is then dipped in acid, the softer metal is eaten away faster than the harder steel, and the pattern is revealed. 

Human Damascus

is generally considered the most artistic. Human smiths have generally considered Damascus as a way to show off their forging skills. So, they takes a variety of patterns from everything between waves to stars. This is also the most inconsistent metal, ranging from poor and soft material not fit for anything other than ornamentation, to steels unmatched in strength and suppleness. However, finding a smith that can be consistent with this material in Human trades is uncommon. 

Gnomish Damascus

is generally considered preferred for blades and tools. Gnome smiths have always appreciated a strong mix of decoration and functionality. This steel has a very dense pattern, borderline a homogenous material. Their grain structures are thin and wispy. They also intentionally make their pattern even tighter on the edges and striking points of blades and tools respectively. This is thought to make the edges of the products to last longer, not needing as much maintenance. 

Dwarven Damascus

is preferred for blunt force. It is typically used for hammers and machine parts. Dwarves have an extremely difficult way of making this pattern steel. They make geometric patterns in the back of the tools and have harder material in the front. The Dwarves explain this practice as the softer material used in the patterns absorb shock better without deformation or cracking. Their patterns are generally thick, and have more soft material than hard material in the forging.