Damascus Blade

[Architpatel]

I have five very good quality Damscus blade knives. But i bought them in Unsharpend condition. How do I sharpen them? Will convention stone or file method do or something else?

 

[senoBDEC]

what are the steels used? How similar in hardness, carbon content, etc? Or if it's actually just one type of modern homogeneous steel (makes a very boring pattern so smiths "cheat" to emulate less homogeneous steel ).

Well good quality waterstones of varying grits should work fine (depends on blade shape and edge style -recurve, straight, drop-point, etc). Be very careful as many "damascus" blades are etched heavily and the look could be ruined if you scratch it up even a little. However a re-etch wouldn't be TOO difficult if the polish is pretty even and fine.

 

[Architpatel]

Thanks. These are very good quality Damscus blade two of them have more than 500 layers.

 

[Doug C]

I use an EdgePro,ie waterstones,one of the best deals I've made this year,am contemplating a belt sander,when funds allow,which may have to wait as I have two commissions going now,one paid for the other half paid off.

 

[Danbo]

Sharpen them as you would any other knife blade.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Are the bevels set and just unsharpened or are they plain damascus blanks. As well you do not mention if they are hardened or simply blanked out. If they are not hardened careful use if a file will work with effort and patience (believe me as this is how I am making knives right now- slow therefore few finished). However if the blades are unground and hardened then you will probably have to use a belt sander- or if unavailable then I would recommend very coarse diamond stones and a lot of patience.

Any pictures of the knives would help a lot as then we could give better opinions as to how to proceed.

Good Luck!!

 

[Architpatel]

will put somep pics of Damscus knives' which I have on Monday.