Damascus Steel Pattern Durability

D

DavidGaTx

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Dec 24, 2015
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Earlier this week, I was in a local store that sells Case knives and stopped to browse through their display cases. I was attracted to a Teardrop with Sawcut Chestnut bone and a Wharncliffe blade made from Damascus Steel (Case's No. 31307). I am not really a collector, but have a handful of traditional knives I've accumulated over the years, each of which I EDC. Generally, my knives receive fairly light usage these days. Having never owned a knife with Damascus Steel, I wanted to research it before making a purchase and have not found the answer as to the durability/longevity of the pattern on the blade. I have found plenty of information on the process of producing Damascus steel, but was wondering if the pattern on the blade is actually a result of the manufacturing process that is inherent in the steel or is it only etched onto the blade. My curiosity, really, is whether the pattern, which is an important aspect of the knife's attractiveness IMO, will wear off with use so that the blade will eventually look like any other carbon steel blade or will the pattern typically remain on the blade, even with normal or light use? Any input would be much appreciated.
 
Good question. I have a Case Sodbuster with Damascus blade which I haven't used because I also have this concern. I would like to hear user comments and impressions, particularly regarding Case. Thanks.

--Larry
 
True pattern welded steel does not wear off. When they say the steel is etched to bring out the pattern, that's because the nickel steel doesn't patina, while the carbon layers do. This gives the contrasting pattern. Technically, the pattern isn't etched on, it's etched out of the steel. It may fade slightly over time, just as a dark patina can turn a lighter gray over time on a 1095 blade, but it will never fade out.
 
Thanks for the explanation, black mamba. Given the production process, it seemed reasonable that the pattern was just a part of the steel, but the word "etching" was what raised my concern. Your explanation was educational and much appreciated.

black mamba said:
True pattern welded steel does not wear off. When they say the steel is etched to bring out the pattern, that's because the nickel steel doesn't patina, while the carbon layers do. This gives the contrasting pattern. Technically, the pattern isn't etched on, it's etched out of the steel. It may fade slightly over time, just as a dark patina can turn a lighter gray over time on a 1095 blade, but it will never fade out.
Click to expand...
 
You can rest easy. The pattern on the damascus is plenty durable. Here's a couple of pics of damascus knives that have been used hard. The first is my personal EDC. It lives in a cross draw horizontal sheath. It has been used for all kinds of ranching chores from castrating calves to opening feed sacks. I also use it daily in the shop. It is not babied. The second pic is my ranching partners knife. He is not easy on stuff. I often accuse him of digging in the dirt with his knives. This has been his EDC for over two years now and mine is probably pushing 4 years now. These pics are from the ranch. That leather notebook cover that they are on is his "Cow Book" that I built him a few years back for his birthday. See he's not easy on stuff.

VqQF669.jpg


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Etching of the damascus is the last step that I do before putting on the bolster and handle. Or in the case of my little guy before sharpening and building a sheath for it. Ferric Chloride is used, ya get it at Radio Shack. The pattern is defined in the steel not by the acid. The different steels resist the acid at different rates and that is how the pattern is shown. But the pattern is in the steel. Here's some process pics:

Blade getting ready to go into the Ferric Chloride. All my damascus blades are taken to 600 grit before etching. See ya can't see the pattern but its there.

KVL48g4.jpg


Leave it in for 30 to 45 mins and pull er out. If I want a lot of depth I might re etch for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. You can see how deep the blade was into the etchant

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I sand with 2000 grit paper and then neutralize the acid. These are some old pics I use Windex (with ammonia) now a days.

Db1MPGo.jpg


Dry off after neutralizing, oil the blade and call er good. Its a simple process to re-etch a blade after the knife is built but I've never had to do that for the pattern washing out or wearing off. Just a few times for big nicks and gouges that had nothing to do with the damascus. Some folks shouldn't be around power tools.
 
Horsewright,

Thanks for taking the time to post the photos. Pictures speak volumes. I feel a lot more comfortable seeing your hard-use knives. By the way, those are some mighty fine knives!!

--Larry
 
Horsewright, thanks for the very helpful information. It gives me quite a lot of comfort knowing I can use the Damascus blade without worrying about damaging or wearing off the pattern. Fascinating to see your pictures of the process.
 
Thank you for the photos and explanation, Dave. Some fine-looking knives that you make, sir! 👍
 
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