Fake or Real damascus knife?

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Jan 8, 2016
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Hi folks, I recently found this knife in a Christmas stall in Warsaw, Poland. The man who sold it to me was an old gentleman who makes knives in his foundry since forever.. Knowing nothing of this damask technique I asked opinion to experts like you. Do you guys can give me some information about it and its possible value? What do you think is that a true damascus? Cheers

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I'm not an expert or anything, but I think it all depends on your definition of "damascus". I'm in the camp that uses the term damascus interchangeably with "pattern welded". There are a lot of folks who will tell you that the term damascus can only be used in referring to wootz or crucible steel. And then there are the ones who will tell you that there is no true damascus steel anymore because the technique to make it was lost long ago.

What you have there is a pattern welded blade. If you use the term, as I use it, then yes, you have a true damascus knife. If you define it in one of the other ways, then, no, you don't have a damascus knife, only a pattern welded knife.

I personally wouldn't worry about the terms... you have a nice cutter there... enjoy it!
 
Real Pattern welded steel or "Damascus".

Since you're not a paying member I can't say much about actual value.

However, even though a Gentleman in Warsaw might have given it to you I'd bet $100 that that knife was NOT made in Poland. But in Pakistan. The materials, the methods of finishing, the missing logo or makers mark all point in that direction.
 
Welcome to BF.

I believe You have been sold a 'Pakistani Special' in 'carpmascus.' Sadly these have infested the world of knives ready for gullible to buy (no offense).

Most of these dont cut nor sharpen well.

Too bad - not least because You can get some nice knives in Poland like for example Poltergeist Knives.

Always check in here BEFORE buying.

And as for the 'old man making knives forever' - buy the knife, not the tale.
 
Real Pattern welded steel or "Damascus".

Since you're not a paying member I can't say much about actual value.

However, even though a Gentleman in Warsaw might have given it to you I'd bet $100 that that knife was NOT made in Poland. But in Pakistan. The materials, the methods of finishing, the missing logo or makers mark all point in that direction.

^^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^^^
 
Yup looks Pakistani or at least from a Pakistani blank. Not worth much, but it is Damascus.
 
still not sure if it's a real knife or not
 
thanks for the nice answers ya all. The man who made this knife is polish that's for sure and i have proof. Maybe it looks Pakistani, but it is not. and yeah...I'm the new guy, I'm sorry if I have not read the rules, I promise I will do it. cheers
 
Please don't take offense and welcome to the forum

Your knife is what many would describe as Damascus steel

It looks like what is coming out of Pakistan currently and I understand you got it from a polish gentlemen

Did he make it ?

The reason the spine is not showing a pattern is that it has been polished and it has not been etched

If your knife has been heat treated well it should cut

If not take it as a learning experience and stick around

If you are interested in a higher quality Damascus knife watch the customs for sale area and see what's out there
 
Please don't take offense and welcome to the forum


Did he make it ?

yes he made it and he is a very legit a respectfull man. he has is own forgery far off near the baltic sea.
and thank you for your welcome. I've never owned a damascus knife but i am a knife enthusiastic.
 
Tommy07, first welcome, sincerely welcome, to this forum. This place is loaded with really worthwhile information for you or anyone else. (Although there are times when you have to take it with a grain of salt to digest it).

Even though you got some really straight forward and in your face answers, rest assured they are based in trying to protect you rather than trying to abuse you. Stick around and read some and you'll see what I mean.

Regarding your knife, there is a really good chance, based on your photos and what it looks like there, that it was in fact born in Pakistan. That in and of itself is not the big deal, but the steel used and the heat treat or not is a big deal. We can't know that for sure so your answers so far are kind of "if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's probably a duck for sure". None of us can be sure with the information at hand, but there have been enough examples proving our point that it's worth your considering. Ebay, AliExpress etc. are loaded with knives that look very similar with no maker's mark or country of origin and they are all relatively low priced for what they are represented to be. ie:"Forged Damascus, hand made knives."

Again, you are very welcome here, so plan on coming back and participating with us.

Paul
 
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Tommy07, first welcome, sincerely welcome, to this forum. This place is loaded with really worthwhile information for you or anyone else. (Although there are times when you have to take it with a grain of salt to digest it).

Even though you got some really straight forward and in your face answers, rest assured they are based in trying to protect you rather than trying to abuse you. Stick around and read some and you'll see what I mean.

Regarding your knife, there is a really good chance, based on your photos and what it looks like there, that it was in fact born in Pakistan. That in and of itself is not the big deal, but the steel used and the heat treat or not is a big deal. We can't know that for sure so your answers so far are kind of "if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's probably a duck for sure". None of us can be sure with the information at hand, but there have been enough examples proving our point that it's worth your considering. Ebay, AliExpress etc. are loaded with knives that look very similar with no maker's mark or country of origin and they are all relatively low priced for what they are represented to be. ie:"Forged Damascus, hand made knives."

Again, you are very welcome here, so plan on coming back and participating with us.

Paul



Hi Paul that's nice of you thanks. Yeah maybe I introduced myself badly (ok my fault sorry), and because i'm not native english speaker perhaps i didnt find the right words to ask, but my intentions were sincere. I never thought I have found a hidden gem, i just wanted to show it to you guys and maybe have some additional info and opinions why not.. and about the value: I don't want to sell it, I'll give it to my son one day, i was just curious. I like my knife, it cuts. It's obviously made for heavy use and never intended to break or wear out and I will use it.
 
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Who ever made the top knife didn't make the bottom 2 and vise versa. Completely definite grinds, materials, style and sheaths. Do a Google search for Pakistan Damascus knife or check eBay.

The bottom 2 look like custom knives made in europe.

The top knife looks like it has a buffalo horn and bone handle- raw materials native to pakistan or the general area.

The bottom 2 look like stag handles- raw materials native to probably poland.

The fit, finish and style are completely different between the top and bottom knives.


We have the same people here in America at flea markets \ gun shows selling cheap foreign knives as their own hand made customs. I'd go back and ask the guy that sold it to you.
 
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Who ever made the top knife didn't make the bottom 2 and vise versa. Completely definite grinds, materials, style and sheaths. Do a Google search for Pakistan Damascus knife or check eBay.

The bottom 2 look like custom knives made in europe.

The top knife looks like it has a buffalo horn and bone handle- raw materials native to pakistan or the general area.

The bottom 2 look like stag handles- raw materials native to probably poland.

The fit, finish and style are completely different between the top and bottom knives.


We have the same people here in America at flea markets \ gun shows selling cheap foreign knives as their own hand made customs. I'd go back and ask the guy that sold it to you.

Seems like I've been ripped off by this dude eh? Better go back to him and ask where is this knife really coming from.. Bolloks, he seemed pretty legit and honest to me ;( Thanks guys your help is priceless
 
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I think that the style of knives is quite different too. Probably from different masters. But if you like it and it works, what does it matter? Enjoy it.
 
I think that the style of knives is quite different too. Probably from different masters. But if you like it and it works, what does it matter? Enjoy it.

oh yeah i like the knife, what i don't like is liar and the man prolly lied to me telling me was made by him in poland
 
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