Some ancient metal folders produced blades designed to remove body parts from other people bodies. These old hammerers didn't bother mixing hi and lo acid resistant steels, or acid etching to bring out the pattern. They did invent a magnificent temper idea that left an odd-looking line along the blade edge.
Long ago, the sole purpose of these blades was to harm another person, and the folks making them believed that any object with a purpose should look good doing it. Some of these blades still exist, and the poorer examples of such can easily surpass the value of my car. Today, no body removes others body parts with them. Mostly, they just look at them. This does not change their original purpose, or capability.
And to transition abruptly from story telling to damascus discussion, I don't imagine that pattern welded steels are on the cutting edge of technology as far as toughness, edge retention and ease of sharpening. But it will cut. And cut well. Ask your finger if you disagree. But wipe the blood off the knife quickly, lest you disturb the finish you paid extra for.
Stryver, who believes a thing of beauty that cannot function is and ugly thing indeed.
Long ago, the sole purpose of these blades was to harm another person, and the folks making them believed that any object with a purpose should look good doing it. Some of these blades still exist, and the poorer examples of such can easily surpass the value of my car. Today, no body removes others body parts with them. Mostly, they just look at them. This does not change their original purpose, or capability.
And to transition abruptly from story telling to damascus discussion, I don't imagine that pattern welded steels are on the cutting edge of technology as far as toughness, edge retention and ease of sharpening. But it will cut. And cut well. Ask your finger if you disagree. But wipe the blood off the knife quickly, lest you disturb the finish you paid extra for.
Stryver, who believes a thing of beauty that cannot function is and ugly thing indeed.
