Damascus traditional?

[Ron Sabbagh]

since I've been on a Case Bose collaboration kick lately, I've been considering a Damascus.

I've not used Damascus extensively (or even moderately...just a little) and I honestly don't think "Damascus" when I think "traditional" knife. I am most attracted to their ebony & stainless models. Nonetheless, my interest is piqued. I have not seen any "in the metal" so I only have internet pics to judge.

I'm wrestling with the opportunity to purchase a Damascus collaboration - I'm just not sure. There is a premium to pay and I'd like to know from the porch members here if they have had the opportunity to own/use/handle one of the case Bose Damascus knives and share the same reservations about paying a premium for a Damascus traditional or not....

I'm particularly interested in the single blade Damascus models.....I think the multi-blades look like they have too much going on.

View attachment 1387442

 

[afishhunter]

Case TB61028W DAM Teardrop. My only Damascus knife.
According to the box it was "born" 10/07/15 (or is that the date it went into the box?)

Not a Case Bose collaboration, as far as I know, but a great knife all the same.
EDIT: I stand corrected. I'm told the "TB" in the number is for Tony Bose.

View attachment 1387446 .

 

[rpstrimple]

I have one Case/Bose Damascus collab and it's the lockback whittler. I've never used it, it's a safe queen. I just can't bring myself around to making it a user (I have a regular 154cm one in chestnut bone that I actually use). A fellow collector offered it to me at a good price and I didn't think twice.

The Damascus ones are quite rare and don't pop up that often, and when they do, they demand a premium (which you mention). I tried my hardest to win a Damascus Norfolk off the auction site a little while ago but I got sniped. It's the only other pattern I'd personally consider in the Damascus steel. As far as the premium goes, I personally think it's worth it. There's always the debate over the collabs in general and if they are worth it, but I can't see myself ever getting rid of my Damascus whittler. It feels like a true custom (as do many of the others I have).

The more recent stockman, cattle knife, and eureka jacks just don't do it for me in the Damascus offering. But if I could have two it would be the lockback whittler and the norfolk. Anyways, enough narrative, here are some pics.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Case TB61028W DAM Teardrop. My only Damascus knife.
According to the box it was "born" 10/07/15 (or is that the date it went into the box?)

Not a Case Bose collaboration, as far as I know, but a great knife all the same.

View attachment 1387446 .

very pretty knife. The teardrop is not a collaboration but it is a Bose designed knife for case, like the sway back

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

I have one Case/Bose Damascus collab and it's the lockback whittler. I've never used it, it's a safe queen. I just can't bring myself around to making it a user (I have a regular 154cm one in chestnut bone that I actually use). A fellow collector offered it to me at a good price and I didn't think twice.

The Damascus ones are quite rare and don't pop up that often, and when they do, they demand a premium (which you mention). I tried my hardest to win a Damascus Norfolk off the auction site a little while ago but I got sniped. It's the only other pattern I'd personally consider in the Damascus steel. As far as the premium goes, I personally think it's worth it. There's always the debate over the collabs in general and if they are worth it, but I can't see myself ever getting rid of my Damascus whittler. It feels like a true custom (as do many of the others I have).

The more recent stockman, cattle knife, and eureka jacks just don't do it for me in the Damascus offering. But if I could have two it would be the lockback whittler and the norfolk. Anyways, enough narrative, here are some pics.

that is some gorgeous damascus. I love the linear like pattern. And case uses a wonderful bone with these models.

I agree with the preference for the older models in general but love my ebony premium stockman

 

[GaiusJulius]

I’m divided on Damascus. It evokes traditional (read: ancient-medieval) blades, but the techniques and alloys used now are very much a 1970s-onward phenomenon. Quite modern, really. I like the look, but it’s hard for me to get behind it fully. I also question the realistic edge-holding and performance of a lot of it. But it sure does look cool.

 

[eisman]

Those Zulu spears are really good knives. I have Damascus from Case, and a number of customs. The only one that gets regular use is a kitchen knife.

 

[kamagong]

I like damascus on fixed blades. Folders, not so much.