Damascus - Is it just me?

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fishbulb

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Sep 18, 2001
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From what I've read on the forums, it seems as though there is a near universal appreciation for the looks and style associated with a quality Damascus knife. I'm glad people have found something that they enjoy.

I, however, don't like the appearance of Damascus, especially the more complex patterns which are found on some of the more embellished custom knives. It just strikes me as being less attractive than a good regular steel finish such as polished or satin, without any real increase in durability or cutting ability.

Is there anybody else who does not like the look of Damascus steel, or am I unique in this.

I know some people on the forums can get touchy about stuff like this; if you took any sort of offense at this post you have probably misinterpreted something.
 
I like the way Damascus looks period. But it MUST match the knife, the style and character of the knife. Mosaic damascus on a knife with black micarta handles, might not be the best choice, but Mosaic on a knife with damascus bolster, MOP scuplted handle, wow. Chain damascus w/black linem micarta, yup..it works.
 
I personally don't care for the looks of damascus, mother of pearl, or really fancy etching and scrimshaw.

Jeff
 
I generally like Damascus, but I've seen some cheaper ones that don't look so good.
Good Damascus should perform just like any other good steel, and probably it can do better. I remember when I ask some question about damascus some people mention that ladder style tends to make the blade hold up better.
 
Some ladder patterns have a fine cutting edge that also has a good bite to it due to the tightness of the pattern and the slight variation in hardness, much like tightly forged cable damascus. As for holding up, it depends on the damascus and HT. The softer steels in damascus help prevent cracks from spreading, cuz the softer steel is tougher than the harder steels, kinda like ripstop clothing. In the Wayne Goddard book, he talked about how damascus should crack in a straight line, as that meant that the steel was not different in hardness and not any tougher than regular steel, but when cracked, it should zigzag and be a jagged crack, IIRC.
 
For me, the appreciation of Damascus lies in the workmanship involved in the making of the steel. To me, making pattern damascus is an artform that I can appreciate. However, of a ll the damascus blades I have owned over the past few years, I have never resolved myself to use them so they have come and gone. I do prefer user-grade knives, but I still appreciate the wokr that goes into the damascus pieces.

As a student of traditional Japanese swordsmanship, I have always appreciated forged Japanese and Japanese-style blades, especially swords, though they may not be categorized as actual "damascus" blades.
 
I am a huge fan of damascus. There are very few patterns that I don't like. I think my favorites are cable and wootz, but there are many others that I find to be just stunning. I also love the look of stainless and low alloy high carbon steel. What I hate is when makers or manufacturers cover it up with some kind of coating (with the possible exception of Boron Carbide).
 
I didn't think much of damascus, until I saw it in person.
Not a big fan of the mosaics.
What I really like are the low layer count blades with the bold patterns.
 
I like the looks of Damascus. I do not know if I could have it on a user though. Therefore, I do not own any. I like to carry and use all my knives.
 
I absolutely love Damascus Steel - except for ladder patterns.

For me, it represents a certain level of "rawness". It reminds me of seeing lava come out of a volcano and cool off in unique and natural patterns. Or of a topographic map. I could look at it for hours, set it down, and come back and still find something new.

Even though I know that the blade was manmade and even intentionally hammered into a pattern, it still looks natural, random and unique. No matter how much control you try to have over it, you still get a unique pattern.

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of polished stainless knives. Nor would I collect exclusively damascus knives. I think you have to just have a few to offset the pack.

Dan
 
Well...

If it were up to me, I'd love to have a nice high carbon damascus with mokume bolsters and ironwood scales...

... if only to convince people that knives CAN be art.

To me, the lines make a great deal of difference in how a damascus blade. If it's more traditional i.e a bowie, it can look kind of old-fashioned, but in a nice spearpoint with streamlined "tactical" lines, it can be really smoooooov.

Not that it would EVER be in my budget, though, and I don't think I'd want to use it.

"Oh, this one? Yeah, it's a knife. But I don't use it to cut anything. No, you're not supposed to. That's the idea. If I wanted to cut anything, that's what I carry THIS for." <takes out a CUDA MAXX>
Click to expand...
:D

-Jon
 
Hardheart posted this link a while back in the Custom Knife Forum. This thread made me think of it. If you don't like damascus, you should take a look at this: Johan Knives
--Josh
 
Josh,
thanks for posting the link. Johan makes some of the most stunning pieces of damascus I have ever seen. Wish I could afford one of his blades, maybe someday ;)

Ryan
 
I like some damascus.

I think with damascus, you have the guarantee that the maker actually spent time making the steel itself of the blade, thus making a full custom-made knife. No offense to the stock-removal guys, but stock removing barstock damascus does not seem fair, as someone else did most of the work. I agree, with the current steel making technology it is not neccesairy to make damascus, but it can be pretty and just as good a blade as any other stuff.

I actually enjoy melting damascus and delaminating the stuff, just to learn how it is made. And trust me, you can read all you like about it, how it is made is only tought by one thing : practice, and a lot of it. I think that if you once tried to make damascus on your own, you'll appreciate it a lot more.. it is much more then just a set of steel types welded together.

Personally I like cable best (heck.. it's the only one I can make on a steady base)... but my main idea of making this kind of damascus is because it is made of 1095, and I have no other supply of 1095 here. Besides 1095 makes a very good blade. Would you rather have a plain steel letteropener then a cable damascus letteropener which actually draws attention because it looks organic while it's metal. I've seen people stare at the blank cabledamascus on my desk for minutes wondering what made that odd pattern in the steel.

but as for alternatives to damascus.. a really nice hardingsline is very nice too. A lamination line.. a light etch to show steel structure... all can be nice. Heck Joseph Uda lets his blades soak in acid for a day or so, so the finish looks like it has been on the bottom of the sea for a year. But on his knives it actually looks good.

Conclusions :

Damascus can make a very good blade.

I agree with the majority, damascus is nice, if on the right knife.
 
I saw my first damascus knife at a civil war reenactment in 91. I feel in love on the spot. I spent many saturdays in that smith's shop watching him perfect his blades. I bought video's and books, and more apprenticing. I've made about forty damascus knives and swords now, and the majic never ever fades.:)
 
Damascus blades are beautiful and are a fine work of art, especially the ones in the link above, but........I personally prefer a regular steel blade with a good finish.
 
I have only one Damascus blade, a Case Coke Bottle pattern, the blade is so small it has a 512 layer random pattern that if it gets a patina on it it looks like regular High Carbon Steel blade, Still like it though. Personally I love all the EDM pattern made blades by the guys in the Montana Mafia any damascus with a recognizeable silhouette, like the US flag or Bill Moran Standing in front of an anvil poundin' steel.:)
 
I like the appearance of Damascus steels, most of them anyway. Some are too complex for my taste however, like "vines and roses".

I think that the entire knife package needs to be designed around the use of damascus. Recently, I think that the new Elishewitz "Ruler" series knives with his use of Damasteel and the two-tone finish is one of the best applications that I have seen.

Sometimes, a maker just takes their same old pattern and sticks a damascus blade on it. Not always a marriage made in heaven.

Probably most annoying to me is too much damascus. Damascus blade, mosaic bolsters, bright colors, vivid wood handles!!!! Too baroque and too over the top. A matter of personal taste, of coure.
 
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