Has Damascus Steel Become Too Commonplace?

[Confederate]

In years past, any knife with Damascus steel was almost prohibitively expensive. Even small knives were costly and many were relegated to collections or show. Very few people actually used such knives.

Now things have changed. Although layered steels abound, many are of unknown quality. But at the same time, the designs and patterns have made some knives very beautiful.

The question is, has this flood of inexpensive "Damascus" blades adversely affected the prices of fine, handmade knives made with Damascus steel blades?

Fine Damascus is still expensive in some folders, but far more affordable. Other knives on the Internet, though, are far less expensive. All of these knives were about $65 or less through eBay. Once received, I found the handles to be beautiful, though not suited for heavy use. Still, they could be pressed into field work if necessary. Clearly, they're best suited for a collection, or for display. They all sharpened well and the people I've showed them to have all loved the intricate patterns in the steel.

Some of the cheapest production Damascus is less impressive. The blades are still attractive, but they're not head turners, nor, in fact, do I believe they are of any singular quality. Marble's, Fox 'n Hound and others fall into this category.

So what do YOU think? Have Damascus knives become rather ho-hum nowadays? Have cheaper steels affected the prices of better Damascus knives? One of the greatest attributes of patterned, or layered, steel is that it's said never to get entirely dull. Because of the steel-on-steel design, it's supposed to stay sharper than non-layered knives. Is this true, or hype?

Thanks!

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[illumination]

I love damascus steel and want some for my collection. That said I agree that there are some rather ordinary looking blades with Damascus (even some inexpensive blades from some 'better' brands. I would love to see some more options in the couple of hundred dollar range. I don't want to spend a grand on Damascus, but also don't want a cheap folder with Damascus either.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

I hope that the increased popularity of pattern-welded steel will also increase awareness of the time and skill that goes into truly fine damascus.

Not all damascus steel is created equal. We aren't going to see anything like Rodrigo Sfreddo's Turkish Twist in a $65 knife. When you think about it, in terms of raw material cost, pattern welded steels are actually cheaper than most "super steels". The value comes from the time and skill of the knifemaker.

Ideally, this proliferation of affordable pattern-welded steel will take away some of the mystique surrounding the word "damascus". Many people think that damascus is some magical steel that will shave your face and then slice through a concrete block with ease. Just like any other component of knifemaking, the true value comes from the craftsmanship, not the materials used.

 

[LUW]

When I started with the knife thing a Damascus blade was absolutely out of reach for me. Nowadays is affordable, and it seems you can find it anywhere. The really high-end stuff continues expensive, but I think that has more to do with the maker then with the steel.

 

[sensei78]

I've purchased about four of these Ebay damascus blades and think they are great. I'm EDC'n one now,full tang with a cord wrap job and kydex sheath I made. It takes all the abuse I can give it so far.......And a definite head turner....

 

[redisburning]

IMO pattern welded "damascus" is similar to the modern obsession with katanas.

i.e. on the low end it taps into the uneducated buyer's desire that is built by exaggerations of historical importance but on the high end it is truly beautiful.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

IMO pattern welded "damascus" is similar to the modern obsession with katanas.

i.e. on the low end it taps into the uneducated buyer's desire that is built by exaggerations of historical importance but on the high end it is truly beautiful.

Exactly that.

 

[dangreco]

Yes, good point, but for me it's really easy to tell the chintzy damascus from good stuff like the CRK raindrop pattern. Good stuff!

 

[rwiggins]

I would recommend asking the maker or manufacturer about the source of their Damascus. That being said, I really haven't come across any "bad" Damascus. Of course, the finish is everything. Some Damascus has really crisp banding or patterning and some are rather, well, "muddy". It really just depends on what your interest is and how much your wallet can stand.

I recommend just jumping in and buying your first Damascus blade, either fixed or folding. That way, you can begin your journey into the wonderful world of pattern welded steel. Try visiting the custom maker's forums here on Blade Forums and look at what is being offered. You can also visit several of the commercial offerings. Good luck and enjoy!

Yes, good point, but for me it's really easy to tell the chintzy damascus from good stuff like the CRK raindrop pattern. Good stuff!

 

[GronK]

It's just a matter of taste but to me many of the knives using Damascus just go too far. Too many patterns and colors in the handle and "art" patterns in the Damascus leave me cold. I'll take a subdued straight pattern Damascus that just highlights the form of the grind and a perfectly shaped handle of a single material every time. A knife like that is so rare I couldn't even find a picture of one in 20 minutes of Googling.

 

[missin_hobo]

Making damascus steel is one of the most geometrically complex art forms on earth. The best-made pattern-welded steel as good as any other high grade steel, and the stuff that's just hammered together willy-nilly is easy for a knut to spot.

As for the average person...cheap damascus is likely to be a head-turner at first, but as soon as such a person sets eyes on damascus that is properly made, mathemetically forged with high contrast and beauty, they're likely to realize the difference quite abruptly.