Damascus Knives...

[Aquilla89]

I have always admired the beauty of the damascus knife, but is there any real advantage or dis-advantage to one? I know that they take more time and effort to make them pretty but is that the only reason that they are so expensive???

 

[senoBDEC]

I know that they take more time and effort to make them pretty but is that the only reason that they are so expensive???

Yes.
Folded or pattern-welded steel isn't necessarily better or worse than any non-folded modern steel providing the forging, heat treat, and shaping is excellent for both. Several reasons for folding steel, mostly to do with balancing out carbon levels and reducing/spreading out impurities.