Damascus edge holding

[DARKKNIFE]

There has been a lot of discussion regarding damascus steel lately. I want to know about it's edge holding ability. Not theoretically, as I know that it has all the potential to be excelent, but as it comes in production knives. Knives like AG Russel's, or Benchmade's LEs. I'm talking production knives,folders in perticular, not customs. Any experiance with this would be appreciated.

 

[Aniketos]

This is what I hear from friends that carried damascus as a EDC for a bit..... Carry a sharpening stick with you, cause you will need it.

 

[PhoulPlae]

I have no experience with Damascus but I think it really depends on what steels are used to make the Damascus. I have heard that some made with premium carbon steels hold and edge very well, while some Damascus (such as nickel?) are mainly for show. I would think a properly hand-forged Damascus could compete with one of the new "super" stainless steels, but cheaper production Damascus may be just for the "wow" factor.

 

[Arthur Washburn]

DarkKnife,

It is going to be dependant on who forged the steel and what it has been composed of. There are companies that use top name forgers steel such as Devin Thomas and Daryl Meier. There are also some outfits that use inexpensive import stuff that can be suspect. Anything with nickle is going to need more frequent sharpenings than the double high carbon and the quality double stainless materials.

 

[Danbo]

Generally, when you are talking about factory damascus blades, you are talking about damascus utilizing a mix of high carbon like 1095 or O1 and mild steel or 203E. The emphasis is on the contrast, not super high performance and edge holding. I have owned several factory damascus pieces from Case and Bear MGC and Parker, and none held an edge particularly well. They all took a very fine edge though. If you want damascus that performs, you have to use all tool steel. Mixes like O1/L6(my personal fav) or 1084/15N20 are high performing damascus mixes.

 

[marcangel]

I have about thirty damascus folders, but almost all of them are handmades. I've had abosolutely incredible steel that would hold an edge forever, and one blade in particular that was replaced due to flaws TWICE! The problem with a damascus user as has been alluded to already, is that the quality of the steel can be incredibly variable. Additionally, the pattern,(as mentioned) types of steels used, technique of the forger, etc. all effect the sharpness and edge retention capability of the final product. If I were going to "try" a user EDC in damascus, I'd go with A.G. Russell. Those knives are reasonably priced, and you always have the "no questions asked, lifetime guarantee" of AGR to back it up if you get a lemon. Call me old fashioned, but ATS-34 is still my favorite overall "user steel." It holds an edge well, resists staining well, and is easy to sharpen to a fine edge.
Interestingly, the last custom knife I ordered came with a Devon Thomas san mais pattern and had a D-2 core. Now that should really hold an edge, but I don't put Osborne Innovas in the EDC rotation!