A question for Custom Knifemakers.

B

Bo

Joined
Aug 12, 1999
Messages
351
I have been doing a lot of browsing at knife sites and have seen some Damascus steel for sale mainly to knife makers. I have seen a couple of pieces that I sure would like to have a blade made out that specific piece. Many times the maker of the steel is backlogged on knives but he has some very attractive damascus for sale.

Would it be improper to supply the steel from one maker for another maker to make the knife? Would you, as a maker find it strange for a person to want to hand pic the damascus steel to have a knife made?
 
It wouldn't bother me any as long as:
1. I know what steels are used in it
2. I know the heat treating instructions
3. You are happy with the looks of it.
 
Bo, that's no problem at all. I buy all my Damascus as do many other makers. I caution you about buying it yourself though. Size is critically important to certain designs. Unless you are confident of the size the knifemaker needs for the knife you want, I'd suggest leaving it to him to buy the pattern you like from the Damascus maker of your choice.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
I make a great deal of damascus for other knifemakers, and am honored when someone likes the steel I make enough to ask another knifemaker to use it. GaKnife is right about knowing the steel needed for the blade you desire. And so is Kit about knowing it's composition.
You could have the maker of your choice purchase the steel, and then you inspect it for your appoval. Most of us how make damascus barstock will exchange or give refunds based on the customer's satisfaction.

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

[This message has been edited by Ed Caffrey (edited 03-20-2000).]
 
hello,

Yep and i can Attest to ED`s Quality,i have used some of his Damascus and have been nothing but pleased with its pattern , Cost, and performance. Good guy to listen too about this topic. Kit also,,knows his stuff, so cant leave his advice out.

Regards,,,,, Allen
 
I use damascus from other makers. The most important is knowing the steels that are used and the heat treat specs. I have only ran into a couple of bad bars and the maker gladly replaced it. Choose the damascus that you like and contact your maker. Tell your maker what you found and by whom and see what they think and go from there.

Dale www.angelfire.com/ks/reif
 
As long as the customer can supply the right size and the specs for heat treat (composition) I have no problem using damascus supplied by the customer.
I have bought or traded all of my damascus so far. I'm almost ready to start producing my own. I love working with it.

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Gene Osborn
Center Cross Metal Works
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword...
Hewbrews 4:12
 
I would like to thank you all very much. I have been toying with idea for awhile and now I know how to proceed.
Now the hard part comes in choosing, both maker and steel.



 
I would suggest Ed Caffrey or Tim Zowada on your damascus choice. There are plenty other makers out there that make damascus, but most i know dont sell the steel alone. They would prefer to make the entire knife after they have all that labor in producing a nice damascus billet.

Matt.

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"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty"
Thomas Jefferson

www.lameyknives.com
 
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