Any interest in a High Performance Damascus Bushcraft?

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
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Now, before you start thinking "Beauty Queen"....consider the steel I will be using:

CPM 3V / CPM154 mix made by Devin Thomas. :eek: :eek: :eek:


It just turns out that the mixture of my 2 favorite hard-use steels turns out GREAT in damascus. Like they were made to go together.


I already have Devin making a billet for me...


IF anybody is interested...I could have a full bar made up. No need for deposits, etc. Just want to know if the interest is there.


Here is a link to the patterns Devin does (but he can do whatever I want): http://www.devinthomas.com/products.html



It would add about $150 to the price.

So, essentially, you would get all the toughness of CPM 3V, the stainless of the CPM154 layers, the beauty of damascus....all in a 4" bladed knife with a price under $300...or slightly over with Arizona Desert Ironwood!

Unheard of for knives made with Devin Thomas Damascus steel. :thumbup:


Like I said, let me know your interest - I won't be completing them any time soon...:D....more like early next year. But if I need to order more steel, now's the time to place my order.


Thanks!

Dan
 
Dan, for me this is very interesting. I haven't gotten a chance to use my Bushcraft very hard yet, but this knife feels so good in my hand this would tempt me. I was actually thinking of starting to save up for a carbon steel bushcraft design from an MS, but that knife would cost even more than the damascus version you are talking about. If we get a vote I vote for the "raindrop" pattern, although sharkstooth fits your logo better:D.

I do have a couple of questions and a suggestion though. When you get the billet will you make a test version of your bushcraft design? Would it be the current evolution of your design? I think more interest could be generated if a "mule" version is tested by some of the frequent bushcraft contributors to W&SS.


I think I would be into one of those.

BTW - If I ordered one I would promise to be more patient:)
 
I don't think I'd be in the market for one, but they'd make some great eye candy. :D
 
I might be interested in one. Fireball or Basketweave catches my eye.
If your going this route once, IMO, get a heavy pattern.

Just my two cents.
 
mrappraisit - explain more of what you mean by "mule". I am definitely open to suggestions and would love to hear what the W&SS folks would think.


Josh K - this is gonna be show AND go....:D...eye candy, yes...but this is the only damascus I know of that is not a compromise!


Porc - what do you mean by "heavy pattern"?


Thanks for all the comments, guys! :thumbup:

Dan
 
Dan - I just mean a test version of your bushcraft blade so that some experienced people could test the blade steel combo. I only suggested this because I have no experience with damascus, other than knowing that it appeals to me visually. On the other hand, Mr. Thomas' steel has a great reputation, so I don't know if this step is really needed, since we know your knife design is already highly regarded. Just putting it out there.
 
Ok - I see what you mean.

That would definitely make me nervous. Because I'd end up with a knife I couldn't resell and I'd have to "eat" the cost of the steel.

Devin's steel has been tested plenty - he definitely knows what he's doing. Plus, I'll be sending it off to Paul Bos for heat-treat.

The mix is not my idea....I've always wondered about it, though. I just happened by Devin's table at the AGRussell show and saw he had some for sale. He says he's been doing it a while, but it is one of his newer mixtures. Great feedback from knifemakers. (seems like a dream-come-true to me!)

Dan
 
Dan as I already have two bushcrafters from you I'd probably pass on a Damascus Bushcraft. As somebody who carries and uses Devin's damascus everyday (Case Stockman) I can vouch for it as a EXCELLENT steel. Sharpens up nicely, holds an edge a goodly while, and zero corrosion issues.

If this is just an interest thread I'd be interested if you could set me aside a bit of this steel for when you do your EDC knife run. I think this steel would be perfect for that design. When I'm out in the woods I really don't care if my knife looks pretty, or rusty, as long as it's sharp. I do like my EDC to be a little nicer ( hence the Damascus Stockman ) and I think the damascus makes a blade much more acceptable by non knife people. I've lost track of how many times I've pulled my stockman out to cut something and had to give an explanation of what my blades were made of and where one could be purchased.

So I'd pass on a damascus bushcraft. I will go on record as officially stating "I'll take one" of the EDCs in this steel if you could put some away when your done with the bushcrafters.
 
I'd be interested in the Firestorm pattern & Desert Ironwood handles.


I don't post here much(if at all),but always liked your knives Dan.
 
For a bushcraft knife - no. However, for one that is a little smaller, a little more like the EDC prototype that you put out, yes, definitely.

My rationale is that in the woods, I don't care what my knives look like (the benefits of merging 3V/154 notwithstanding) so I'd rather not spend the money there.

However, for a small fixed blade that would make it into the daily carry rotation, I think it'd be awesome.

Either way, I'd love to see it :)
 
Hey Dan!

I am number 241 on the 2009 Bushcraft Order thread. Would it be possible to "upgrade" it to the damascus you are talking about? If not and you are talking about a separate run, I understand. If you will, let me know, okay? And thank you, Dan, for being so helpful with all my questions. I'm excited as this will be my very first Dan Koster knife!!!
 
Daniel Koster said:
mrappraisit - explain more of what you mean by "mule". I am definitely open to suggestions and would love to hear what the W&SS folks would think.


Josh K - this is gonna be show AND go....:D...eye candy, yes...but this is the only damascus I know of that is not a compromise!


Porc - what do you mean by "heavy pattern"?


Thanks for all the comments, guys! :thumbup:

Dan
Click to expand...

So it's a mix of 3V and 154CM? I am tempted. Six months out gives plenty of time to get funds together.

I'd be interested, though it'd be neat to see it in something other then your Bushcraft design. As awesome as that is. :D
 
Daniel Koster said:
Ok - I see what you mean.

That would definitely make me nervous. Because I'd end up with a knife I couldn't resell and I'd have to "eat" the cost of the steel.

Devin's steel has been tested plenty - he definitely knows what he's doing. Plus, I'll be sending it off to Paul Bos for heat-treat.

The mix is not my idea....I've always wondered about it, though. I just happened by Devin's table at the AGRussell show and saw he had some for sale. He says he's been doing it a while, but it is one of his newer mixtures. Great feedback from knifemakers. (seems like a dream-come-true to me!)

Dan
Click to expand...

Dan I understand your hesitancy and the more I think about it a "mule" isn't really needed. I am interested in this idea, so please keep us informed.
 
Daniel Koster said:
Porc - what do you mean by "heavy pattern"?
Click to expand...

Dan,
What I meant was a pattern that really stands out with distinct heavy, highly visible pattern.

I agree with a few others here that this would be better on a EDC size blade. How about a mini-Bushmaster? ;)
 
Dan- my situation is similar to gmarthur's- I have two of your bushcrafts (and await a bushmaster) so I would probably pass on a damascus model.

I would be very interested in a damascus version of your WSS knife. I have the skeletonized model for packing, but would love a damascus (with pretty slabs) for an EDC.
 
This sounds really cool Dan. However, I would like to cast one more vote for an EDC sized blade.
 
I'll add my name to the list of those interested in an EDC in this type of material. Something this special begs to be shown off and that would probably be easier for a lot of us with a smaller blade.
 
Josh K said:
So it's a mix of 3V and 154CM? I am tempted. Six months out gives plenty of time to get funds together.

I'd be interested, though it'd be neat to see it in something other then your Bushcraft design. As awesome as that is. :D
Click to expand...

CPM154 - not 154CM

similar....but CPM154 is quite a bit better/stronger than 154CM because of crucible's power metallurgy.


MacHete said:
Dan- my situation is similar to gmarthur's- I have two of your bushcrafts (and await a bushmaster) so I would probably pass on a damascus model.

I would be very interested in a damascus version of your WSS knife. I have the skeletonized model for packing, but would love a damascus (with pretty slabs) for an EDC.
Click to expand...



Ok guys....I am listening....:D


How about the W&SS knife? I'm not sure how I'd do it....I want to do another run of those anyway. And with it having a pretty nice skeletonized version....that would be a sweet knife.


Let's see.....doing the math off the top of my head....it would have to be a $110 add-on. So, $185 for skeletonized and $210 for NCM/BCM.



Does that price range scare you off?


Dan
 
If I did an EDC version, it would cost quite a bit more....would end up over $300 for sure.


Just keep that in mind.

If it's worth it to you guys, I'll gladly do it.

Dan
 
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