so, i am fairly new to blacksmithing if that is the right term for it, but one of the things i really want to be able to make, is a Damascus knife, and i have a faint idea on how Damascus steel is made, but i am not entirely sure, so all instructions are well appreciated

Welcome to the site, it has a lot of info that you are are asking about..try the search feature or look through the knife section for starters,,,if you find info you do not understand I am betting we can help with that.

I started forging for the same reason something like 14 years ago. Because I was working with Thomas Powers (a frequent contributor) he was able to coach me through a damascus blade my second time at the forge. That worked becuase I'd already made numerouse stock removal blades and was pretty good with hand tools already and most importantly becuase Thomas is a patient and willing teacher. That being said, I would advise you to find a willing teacher in your area. I can give you a very detailed written description of how to make damasucs and enen go into detail on the metallurgical principles at work in the process but that likely will not be as helpful to you at this point as getting some hands on experience with a good teacher. There's no reason you can't jump right into a damascus project early in your forging career, but that will be facilitated greatly by finding someone who can show you the basics in person.

Patrick

thank you patrick, i know a friend who has made a damascus blade, and i am sure he will teach me the basics
sidenote, i did not expect a reply that fast

May I commend to your attention "The Pattern Welded Blade" James Hrisoulas, (as well as his previous books "The Complete Bladesmith" and "The Master Bladesmith"). You should be able to ILL it from your local public library---or Christmas is coming and it makes a great gift!

Here is a good introduction and how to. 

 

http://www.fredeenblades.com/patternwelding.htm