Damascus, I love it, but...................

J

J. Hoover

Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
1,782
There are some guys out there now making some killer damascus for the unfortunate people like myself who don't have a power hammer. I've hammered some out by hand, lots of work doing that. When properly heat treated it can hold it's own with many of the popular blade steels.
What I am asking here today is this, how long will a etched damascus blade look the way it does when it leaves your shop. Especially if the person buying the knife buys it to use. I know it can be re-etched when needed, however many buyers are not set up to etch a blade. I've purchased pocket knives in the past with black blades that wore quickly when used, I remember always being disappointed at how fast the finish left the blades.
In the past I think most damascus blades were bought for their beauty and treated delicately. Now however the damascus being made is excellent steel, knives are being sold with RC hardness and edge holding abilities listed. In other words I believe a fair share of the damascus blades being sold are to people who will work the blade.
What are your thoughts??
 
if you etch it deep it will retain the pattern , but the contrast (light and dark) between the steels may blend together.
 
I've been using-not-abusing my damascus Sebenza for about three months now and it looks as good as new. I've used it to open mail, cut up a few boxes, and prepare my lunches 4/5 days a week.

Also, I prefer the edge holding ability and ease of sharpening on my damascus Sebenza over my s30v version fwiw. (SS Raindrop by Devin Thomas)
 
Last edited:
I use a damascus edc that I made a couple of months back. It is used daily and hasn't shown very much wear.
 
I have a beautiful damascus blade Burton made around a year ago and it shows now just as nice as it did then. I also have a Wilkins in damasteel and it looks beautiful now too.
 
I've been curious about this too, since I've just purchased a custom damascus blade and am very conflicted about using it - ever.

Is anyone who's using damascus blades using them hard? Like batoning and bushcrafting? Or are we just discussing paper, tape, and cardboard? What about dressing and processing game?

I would really appreciate some tinsight, since my new Backwoods is way too pretty to mess up and way too pretty to hide in the safe!
 
Nowadays I think "Damascus" should be replaced with "layered steel."
There are just too many alloys being used for one word to mean much of anything about performance.

A well made layered steel will be just as sturdy and hold an edge just as well as non-layered steel of the same alloy.
 
elementfe said:
Nowadays I think "Damascus" should be replaced with "layered steel."
There are just too many alloys being used for one word to mean much of anything about performance.

A well made layered steel will be just as sturdy and hold an edge just as well as non-layered steel of the same alloy.
Click to expand...

I believe the OP is referring to the durability of the FINISH on damascus steel, not the performance of the steel itself.
 
Been using a damascus blade for 3 years and have dessed and quaretered 13 deer in 3 years (limit in NC is 6 per license per year). Edge rederssed twice. No deminishing of the pattern that i can tell.
 
^^ That's great news! Maybe my Backwoods Damascus Beauty can adorn my hip while we chase some elk around Colorado this fall!
 
ive done some etched Damascus and i have found that it hold very well if you etch deep and keep the blade clean
 
PitchAndMoment said:
^^ That's great news! Maybe my Backwoods Damascus Beauty can adorn my hip while we chase some elk around Colorado this fall!
Click to expand...

Bills Damascus hunters are beautiful knives. They are a great display piece but they are are also built to be used. I would have no second thoughts about using one of his, or most other makers Damascus offerings as my edc or field knife on any hunt. Performance wise you should not have a problem, and I don't expect much issue with pattern either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top