Damascus?

[Edged2]

I see a lot of knives called Damascus.
What is the accepted definition of Damascus?
The wide range in price leads one to suspect maybe all ain't as it should be
Thanks

 

[Eliteone2383]

Many on here have told me Damascus can be garbage but that the better companies use very good quality damascus. If you get a Chris Reeves knife or any company at that level then its good steel.

 

[Horsewright]

Pattern welded steel is what is called damascus these days. Normally high carbon mixes but sometimes stainless as well. There are some off shore damascus knive of dubious metals and dubious heat treats that lead to very inexpensive knives. That being said there are some off shore damascus and knives as well as domestic knives and damascus steels that are very good. You will pay for them though. Damascus done correctly can be an excellent performer. I was at a branding last week and every bull calf there was castrated with one or the other of three different damascus blades depending on who was doing the cutting.

 

[jdm61]

Pattern welded steel is as good or as bad as its component steels, manufacturing and heat treatment allow it to be.

 

[stargawker]

I've thought that Damascus knives are too pretty to use. I sharpen my own knives and can keep them sharp but I often get scratches in many places when I sharpen. So I couldn't see me sharpening a lovely pattern knife myself. Is there a way to sharpen them without wrecking the art on them?

 

[ATJ999]

What jdm61 said.

If you are looking for an EDC, go with a modern mono steel. Something like CPM 3V for fixed blade, or M390/20CV for folder.