Damascus, best bang for the buck??

Dr.Lathe

Dr.Lathe

Joined
Aug 4, 1999
Messages
2,596
I've had several request for damascuss knives. The last ones I made from Damasteel and they turned out nice. After walking around the Blade Show and looking at all of the damascus stock for sale, I couldn't make up my mind and just bought some mosaic bolster material. I realy like Devin Thomas's material but you see it SO often....
So.... Has anyone found any good deals or care to make recommendations?? Any particularly good results with a certain material. Any new eye catching paterns...Any D2 damascus
wink.gif

Thanks to all that respond!
Neil

------------------
Talonite, new pics, knives in stock!

blackwoodknives.com
 
Dr Lathe, I make damascus. I can make many different patterns. What do you like? Prices are about $10.00 per sq.inch. I make ladder,raindrop,twist,mosaic(more money)2,3,4,5 bar laminated,stretched,manipulated ect. I use a press much like the X-Press. I usually make it for the knives I sell but would make a piece or so for you. 5160,1095,1084,L6,pure nickel,mild steel,15n20,all work good for carbon damascus. It can be etch or blued or both. No stainless yet or d2 but possibly later. All is precision ground. Bruce
 
Until Bruce gets his Stainless going, I have had good luck with Devin Thomas' Stainless Damascus. His prices aren't too bad for such nice pattern damascus, plus for $15 he will weld on a tang, anneal and surface grind it so you don't have to bury $12-20 per linear inch steel under a handle. I wouldn't use damascus on my full tang knives but for his doing that.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
Neil,
My idea of "best bang for the buck" would be a material that will give the "working knife" characteristics, along with good eye appeal. The 1084/15N20 mix is the best I've found for the "all around" damascus. If eye appeal is of a higher priority, then Devin is the place to go. His track record is outstanding. I have a very pointed view on stainless damascus.......it's for people who have more money than they do sense. I've tested it, and the only area that it exceeds 1084/15N20 is in stain resistance. But, I suppose if the customer demands it......

Ed

------------------
Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com
 
You're absolutely right Ed, the only reason I make damascus knives is to appeal to the eyes of those folks with a lot of money. If they have brains and money, I usually send them to you. That last knife you sold at the Blade Show was to a guy who came to my table first. I sent him and Alex your way, then had a chance to admire his purchase as he was leaving.

There are though, a number of people who find Devin's damascus appealing, and it's hard to beat the price on such a blade. Plus it serves their purposes well. It looks pretty.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
Dr Lathe
IMHO its not a matter who its a matter of quality. IMHO Mike norris makes the best stainless damascus on the market. If you check the mix he uses it will cut the best and the patterning from side to side is right on. Mike will also make special mixes. I am having him make some vasco ware and ats34 damascus as we speak. :]
His standard mix is about 9-11 dollars per inch of 1 1/8 x.125. He makes it with d2, 302 and the higher carbon version abeh. I have used damasteel . I like the heat treat I hate the patterning. The knives I made the pattern was off side to side. Making my own for high end knives I am just more picky about the steel. Mike will also make it with 440v and 420v cores for those who want it in San Mai. He will also do
multi bar billets. Please give him a call to see the difference. Good person and great steel maker. :] As for carbon Bruce jumped in there :]


------------------

[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 06-24-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 06-24-2000).]
 
Hey Neil...

Try DamaSteel ATS34..

Nice Stuff...

ttyle Eric...

------------------
Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom,Quality, Concealex Sheaths.

Leading The Way In Synthetic Sheathing.
 
neil,

i agree with darrel. mike norris makes a d2 damascus and has some very cool patterns. also 440v and other good user steel for the cores.

if you wanna try some damasteel i have a 2 foot piece of raindrop pattern in 5/32x1 1/4 for $285.
 
Guys,
Thanks for the responses! I'm not home right now and cannot hog my buddies computer to go over all of this! I will re-read all this on Sunday night and sort through it.
Thanks again!
I'LL BE BACK!
Neil

------------------
Talonite, new pics, knives in stock!

blackwoodknives.com
 
I'mmmmm BAAAAAACK!
WOW almost 24 hours of continuous fishing!! I'm whipped!!!! I need one of those Phil Wilson fillet knives!
As soon as customers commit to a damascus project, I will probably call around hastily to see what's available. My thoughts of just getting some material and making a few knives up have changed. Returing to the shop last night and being reminded of the orders due this month, put a halt to that.
smile.gif

I like the idea of something with D2 in the mix as these customers are already using my D2 hunters. A functional carbon steel damascus would be nice also. Both customers that are interested in damascus right now, WILL use them.
Neil

------------------
Talonite, new pics, knives in stock!

blackwoodknives.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top