Please note: there is a forge-weld imperfection along the spine.
This is a structural flaw caused by impurities separating between layers during the forge-welding process. It can occasionally occur in complex Damascus constructions. It does not affect performance in any way.
If this is something you would be concerned about, please refrain from purchasing.
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Xinguo x Makaida Blue2 / 52100 Twist Damascus
We’re proud to present this collaboration between Xinguo and Makaida. The blanks were forged and heat treated by Makaida, then handed to the Xinguo team for grinding and finishing.
Built using the traditional Warikomi method, this piece features a Dual-Damascus construction. Both the cladding and the core are forged as composite patterned steel and bonded into a single structure, requiring precise control throughout the process.
The Damascus pattern structure and visual flow draw inspiration from the work of Master "Shoichi Hashimoto". His aesthetic has had a profound international influence on twist-pattern Damascus, especially in the way he builds depth and controls pattern rhythm. In this piece, Makaida and Xinguo reinterpret that language through their own forging approach, material composition, and etching process.
The outer cladding is forged from a blend of 52100, 45#, 65Mn, 1085, and 20C. This multi-alloy combination creates natural contrast and layered dimension, bringing strong clarity to the pattern after etching. The core is a composite of Aogami #2 and 52100, balancing performance with structural complexity.
Edge geometry has been carefully refined, with a controlled distal taper and eased spine and choil for added comfort in hand. Surface finishing and etching are precisely executed to enhance pattern definition and reveal the dimensional character of the Damascus.
About Ma Kai Da
Born in 1985, Makaida graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Process Equipment and Control Engineering from Shenyang University of Chemical Technology. He spent nine years working as an engineer before formally dedicating himself to bladesmithing in 2018. With over 8 years of bladesmithing experience, he built his foundation through disciplined practice and persistent study.
Specification:
Tip to Heel: 242 mm
Tip to Machi: 255 mm
Maximum Blade Height: 52.5 mm
Spine Thickness: 3.8 > 1.5 mm
Weight: 144 g
Origin: Jiangsu Province, China
Bevel: Double
Steel Core: 52100/Aogami 2
Cladding: Damascus
Hardness: ~63 HRC
Corrosion Resistance: Low