First, be very specific about time frames and locations. It was not a static technology, but kept evolving all the way until the end, circa 1937 in Belgium.
Part of the challenge / frustration is that the terms did not change. So laminated in 1850 England was a very different thing from laminated in 1890 Russia.
In the broadest possible terms, laminated and damascus are the same. Both are forge welded rods composed of iron and steel. The final product is were we see the difference. Laminated barrels were always cheaper. But why? Laminated used less steel. So there is that savings. They could be produced by a journeyman, while the best damascus required a master, both had to pass the same proof tests.
I think many start by asking this question. Get some notions in their heads and stop asking. The Belgians are worth spending time researching for a couple of reasons. They kept the skill going longer than anyone else. Few reached their levels of production. The real work did not take place on the anvil. It took place in the infrastructure, the rolling mills.
The movie is a starting place. It has led to many discussions via email and telephone. Drop me a note, we can talk about it.
Pete
