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Anyone else dislike damascus?

I really like damascus. I'm a sucker for it. Granted, I don't like the damascus Kershaw uses. But, I have several damascus blades that I edc. All of the blades I've edc'ed for the last several years have been damascus. Weather it be a CRK or a custom, I just like it. I love the patters and the overall look of it. Performance wise, results will vary, but I've usually found it to be comparable to most steels. I do especially like non stainless damascus. I love when the mirror polished bevel starts to show pattern as the patina develops. I realize this is a damascus hate threat, but I love it.
 
What got the conversation going was when I pointed out a patina that I really liked. She said that it was ugly and looked like a wannabe damascus. :mad:

Just then I thought about it and in a way she's right. Damascus usually LOOKS like homogeneous steel until you etch it with ferric chloride acid or lemon juice, vinegar etc... Similar to a patina. The only difference is that I don't mind using a patina'd blade. Don't care if the finish gets marred. Opposite of how I feel about the etch on damascus.

What does it all mean?

Carbon steel > Damascus steel! ;)
 
I'd say it really depends on the blade. There's some custom makers on the forum here that really know how to balance it out. I've also seen many knives where the damascus and the sclaes are just too busy and for my tastes it detracts fro the overall look of the knife.
 
98002_2__zpsc02ce1b6.jpg

yanagikintaroame_zps0f6aeec3.jpg

DSC00324_zps435fc93a.jpg

I accept this sort of damascus, but most I agree are an eye sore.
 
at start of my collecting, i did not like it, i admire the skills involved making it , don't get me wrong

but i starting to like some patterns, not the bozo the clown patterns with xmas bells and deers
a nice curved feather pattern has become on off my favorites , simple clean lines and not very heavy accentuated black/ white ( etching with instant coffee )
and should always follow the line off the blade
 
A Justice said:
I appreciate the effort it takes, and the skill, to pattern weld and fold that much steel, I just prefer homogeneous steel for a knife. I understand why it costs more, but I don't understand why some makers and collectors place it on a pedastal - I don't understand why the Master ABS test is making a Damascus blade (for example, becoming a Master Sommolier you have to take a large written test including almost every piece of knowledge pertaining to wine making, and then have to identify 6 wines just by taste. Forging a couple Damascus blades in your own time and submitting them for testing, seems like that should be the test to be a "Master Pattern Welder").

To each their own.
Click to expand...
You're mistaken. That is only PART of the test for Master Smith. Another massive party of it is the making of a masterpiece. Which in the case of the ABS is the quillion Dagger which is a VERY difficult piece to do right.

There is also the performance of the heat treat that is being tested and the fit and finish off the knives that's being judges by a panel of experts.

It's not nearly as simple as you make it sound.
 
Strigamort said:
What got the conversation going was when I pointed out a patina that I really liked. She said that it was ugly and looked like a wannabe damascus. :mad:

Just then I thought about it and in a way she's right. Damascus usually LOOKS like homogeneous steel until you etch it with ferric chloride acid or lemon juice, vinegar etc... Similar to a patina. The only difference is that I don't mind using a patina'd blade. Don't care if the finish gets marred. Opposite of how I feel about the etch on damascus.

What does it all mean?

Carbon steel > Damascus steel! ;)
Click to expand...

In most cases Damascus=Carbon steel.
 
LX_Emergency said:
In most cases Damascus=Carbon steel.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I assumed that was understood. Yes, I meant *homogeneous* carbon steels.

The ABS Mastersmith designation is awesome. I have a couple of very renowned knifemakers for neighbors, Ray Laconico and Mike Vagnino. Mike is a MS and I hope to make it to one of their hammer-ins soon. Just being near those guys would make me feel like my daughter at a Bieber concert. :rolleyes:

The whole ABS system for testing smiths is very extensive. Anyone interested should take a look at how the amazing process works. I have only the utmost respect for all 114 (I think) MS's and JS's as well. Take one look at Nick Wheelers bowies to get some idea of what a JS can do.

I'd like if the ABS started a program for my stock removal heroes, but maybe one day.

Anyway, I'm getting off topic. For me and my uses (including looks), carbon and SS just looks better than most damascus patterns. I'll concede with a great feather and river of fire. But those two are fairly exclusive from my point of view and I would never want to cut with them.
 
I think it all depends on the pattern. I don't like spyderco's version. It's just too loud. If it's more subtle and has a nice pattern, it's fine. I like Mcusta's san mai. I don't think it really adds anything other than looks. It's all a matter of what you like. On most knives I like a satin finish.
 
To me, one who has only seen pictures of damascus blades, and have never held one in my hands, I don't have a yearning to own one. They are pretty enough in their own rights, as far as an art piece goes. If I owned one, it might sit on the mantle as a show piece, along with some of my collectible steins, which have never had any kind of liquid in them other than some soapy water to clean them up. I bought them as collectibles and never intended to fill them with a good hearty ale. The same with the damascus knife if I owned one. It would be purely an art piece set out for display. At my stage in life, I can't afford expensive mantle pieces.

However, that said, if anyone likes them and has the expendable income to purchase them, then more power to them. They are an art form and a functional one at that, and I admire any craftsman that can create one in a pattern that is pleasing to the buyer's eye. In that case, it is a win - win for both parties. Variety is what makes this hobby such fun.

Blessings,

Omar
 
I really like this pattern- not sure what if it would be a true "rain drop" or not, but it sure is pretty!! Devin Thomas I think.

damascus.jpg
 
A lot of the really funky damascus doesn't do it for me, but I do really like the sort of the damascus used on Mcustas or on my Shun kitchen knives.

A couple of quick Mcusta examples from my knives:

KD9qE4W.jpg


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Mcustas are one of the few damascus knives I would use for edc. Others are too much for my tastes or wallet. That being said, Kershaws damascus offerings are, in my opinion, meant for collectors or casual users. Personally, I would love to get a hold of a damascus Zing but thats another story.
 
A little history. Damascus was named in Syria when a patron wanted to ask local blacksmiths to meld two kinds of steel and fold them into layers.
But the patron was to nervous to ask. Finally the smithies said, Damn, Just ask us." "Damn just ask us" was eventually shortened to "Damn, ask us" and then Damascus. And now you know where the word came from.
 
Damn, I just found out the etiology of Damnascus. I like the look, but the composition of the micro edge leaves a little bit to be desired IMHO. I like the clad blade with a ZDP 189 core and a stainless Damascus sheathing.View attachment 407275
 
Having been a machinist and with a metallurgy background I find damascus to be a very interesting product. I have no way to try to make my own so I really like seeing other folks artistry with metals. I have family down south that are the real deal watchmakers not watch techs but makers of watches. I doubt I could even afford the downpayment on one of their timekeeping pieces but I can respect their skills.
 
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