Damascus knife recommendation

[rlewpolar]

Ok, I watched the new Larrin Thomas video on Damascus steel and I’m fascinated and obsessed. I need at least one Damascus knife in my collection.

Who are some of the BF bladesmiths doing great work with Damascus these days (interested in fixed blades mostly)?

Also, from the production knife side, who would you recommend for a folder?

I know the quality of the Damascus steel itself matters and Larrin’s finding about 1095 and nickel being combined to form Damascus steel that lives up to the legend of remarkable cutting ability is especially interesting. Who is making Damascus with 1095 and nickel these days? Any other recommendations on patterns (ladder, snake skin, random), type of other steels used to make Damascus?

Finally, who would you say is making the highest quality Damascus these days? Would you go with Damasteel?

Lots of broad, general questions and there is so much information out there, have no clue where to start when looking for a new knife. Hoping folks here can help me narrow it down. Thanks

 

[ShaiHulud]

Try to catch one from dawson

 

[calm]

Broadly, you have stainless and non-stainless steel Damascus. Damasteel is stainless. If you want to keep the pattern more easily I think stainless will be better.

The basic material of the Damascus steel will give you properties similar to that steel (i.e. 1095 damascus mix will behave like 1095)

Damascus Patterns can vary and with Damascus being mainly an aesthetic choice try to find/ask for a pattern you like. There are several.

Also expect someone to come and jump up and down shouting that damascus today is not real Damascus steel but mainly pattern steel or something similar

 

[Retired UPS Driver]

Who are some of the BF bladesmiths doing great work with Damascus these days (interested in fixed blades mostly.

Phillip Patton sure does come up often here.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I collect Damascus knives. CRK uses Devin Thomas and Chad Nichols SS Damascus. Vegas Forge makes very nice SS and carbon Damascus. Many makers use Damasteel, which is powder metallurgy and as I understand can be treated to a higher HRC. Avoid Pakistani Damascus at all costs. My Instagram is gatorloki49 and there you can see my knives in one place.
Here are my CRK MNANDI'S:
1) On the far left is the Mnandi with Bog Oak scales and a Chad Nichols boomerang Damascus blade;
2) Next is a Mnandi with Striped Platan scales and a Devin Thomas basketweave Damascus blade;
3) Then we have a Mnandi with Spalted Beech scales and a Chad Nichols raindrop Damascus blade;
4) The fourth Mnandi in has Snakewood scales and a Devin Thomas raindrop Damascus blade;
5) Next is a Mnandi with blonde Box Elder burl scales and a Devin Thomas basketweave Damascus blade;
6) Then we have a Mnandi with Macassar ebony scales and a Chad Nichols ladder Damascus blade;
7) Far right is my newest Mnandi, featuring woven black carbon fiber scales and a Chad Nichols boomerang Damascus blade;
View attachment 2307014

 

[katanabrightlog]

if you're into that 1095 and nickel combo, Devin Thomas is your guy. As for patterns, ladder and random are classics, but snake skin is next-level dope if you ask me. And yep, Damasteel is pretty much the Rolls Royce of Damascus.