Damascus questions (Update)

mr_badexample

mr_badexample

Joined
Mar 1, 2012
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I posted this in general and it didn't get much feedback so I'm trying here. I'm on the fence about sending it back because I like the knife so much and plan for it to be a user.
Look at the pics and you will see what looks like a crack or void on the edge of the flipper. My questions are is this a result of the Damascus manufacturing process? And will it cause any future problems? It doesnt seem to be in a structurally crtitcal area.

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I own a lot of damascus knives (it's an illness), and I've never seen anything like that. Are you the first owner? Could a previous owner have caused it?

If it were new, I personally would send it back and let the company fix it. If it is a pre-owned knife, I don't know what the company's policy is.
 
I know that if it was me, I would send it in. I'm a little picky about my knives, and that's unacceptable. It doesn't look like it'll hurt anything functionally, but I wouldn't be able to tolerate it. Either way I think you'll be fine.

They might not be able to fix/replace it because it's a limited knife.
 
In that case I would return for another, or for them to grind it out. But I'm picky too, especially on a brand new knife. It is definitely not normal.

mr_badexample said:
It's from the current run and it was purchased new by me. It's actually my first Damascus knife.
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You should call them first and explain the issue in detail, maybe send the photo as well. They'll be able to tell you if they have a replacement blade. It's early on, you may have good luck with this.
 
sticktodrum said:
You should call them first and explain the issue in detail, maybe send the photo as well. They'll be able to tell you if they have a replacement blade. It's early on, you may have good luck with this.
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Thanks for the tip. I asked about a replacement blade and they have it. So it's headed back to the mothership today.
I also informed KAI of this thread and the pics should they want to take a look.

This is my second call to KAI and both times I spoke to Jeremy. On both occasions he was very courteous and helpful. My experiences with this company and their customer service have been positive. I feel confident that they will make it right.

Another member who is very knowledgable in all things Damascus contacted me. He described it as a"delamination of the (Damascus) weld." This info was very helpful in making the decision to return it. Just wanted to share that in case someone else encounters a similar problem.
 
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I'd return it from where you bought it and have them exchange it. Kershaw usually does not keep Damascus Blades on hand. But give them a call and see what they say..
 
Looks like a cold shunt to me:) Have seen it several times over the years,they tend to also show up by a rust line as the shunts tend to rust more easily. Glad they have a replacement!
 
Got the Damascus Leek today, this is my first Damascus knife as well. The blade on this one has what appear to be imperfections, I don't know if this is just a normal thing inherent to Damascus or if this is something I should be sending back for.
Not great pictures but hopefully you can see what I am talking about. Looks almost like a crack in the blade.
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silversage said:
Looks like a cold shunt to me:) Have seen it several times over the years,they tend to also show up by a rust line as the shunts tend to rust more easily. Glad they have a replacement!
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Cool, thanks for the info. I just read a bunch about cold shuts. (I actually found more info searching that spelling.) My father in law was an MIT educated metallurgist who worked in the steel industry for many years. I always liked having a steel question or two when visiting him. He was at his best when talking about steel. Unfortunately he passed on right after the new year. If he was still alive and in good health he would have been my go to guy.
One of these days I'd like to try making a blacksmith style knife. Something about an anvil and forge that just speaks to me.
 
pistonsandgears said:
Got the Damascus Leek today, this is my first Damascus knife as well. The blade on this one has what appear to be imperfections, I don't know if this is just a normal thing inherent to Damascus or if this is something I should be sending back for.
Not great pictures but hopefully you can see what I am talking about. Looks almost like a crack in the blade.
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I used sticktodrum's advice and asked if they had a replacement when I called. As he stated they can check if a replacement is availible. You might want to try and exchange it with the seller. First for a faster turn around. For me this was not an option because the Skyline is sold out everywhere. I see the Leek is stil available at a few places. Good luck, it's a sweet knife.
 
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Pistonandgears that is a perfect example of a shut you can see what looks like the rust line also it is going across the grain. When I grind a blade and find one it becomes a user for me. Send it back and let them fix you up.
 
One of my skylines has a small spot where it looks like the top layer of the damascus is pealed and flaking off a little. I really liked the design on the other side and since I have no intention of ever selling it I simply put it on display showing the side without the slight "bad spot". So excited just to have it that it isn't worth trying to replace to me.
 
Well, as some one who collects damascus knives, I can offer that all damascus is not the same. The damascus used by Chris Reeve, William Henry, and other high end knife-makers is expensive, and often is purchased from someone who specializes in damascus, such as Devon Thomas, Mike Norris, etc. Mid-range knife-makers, especially large companies, frequently use less expensive damascus. Does not mean it is bad, or not pretty, but more likely to exhibit small flaws like delamination. Just my perspective. I don't know where Kershaw obtains their damascus, so can't comment on it specifically.

I should add that the ZT line - specifically the 0777 - uses Devon Thomas damascus, but ZT is the high end maker of KAI, as all readers will know. I have a Spyderco damascus knife that is nice, but not up to the quality of Devon Thomas or other name damascus makers. I still love it.
 
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Locutus D'Borg said:
I don't know where Kershaw obtains their damascus, so can't comment on it specifically.
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I believe Kershaw uses Alabama Damascus for these models. Not sure if anyone besides Alabama Damascus Steel & Cutlery makes or sells those blanks. Composition, according to their site, is: 3 layers of 52100, 4 layers of 5160, 3 layers of 203E, and 3 layers of 15N20. There's a post here that talks about some different steels used for Damascus, including the ones used in this blend.
 
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