Help with Case Damascus (Sharpening)

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Quite unexpectedly, the Mrs. gifted me with a stag Damascus peanut--

I've never owned any Damascus before. My usual EDC is a CV peanut.

My issue is, I can't quite get the Damascus as razor sharp as my CV. I put it through the sharpmaker, with which I am rather proficient, and it still has trouble with thin paper. Is this a property of Damascus? The metal itself feels "toothier" but I can't get the darned thing as sharp as CV.

I want to love this knife...

Help me love this knife?
 
I'm pretty sure the Thomas Damascus (I'm assuming yours is the raindrop?) is heat-treated to a higher RC than the CV or Tru-Sharp that Case otherwise uses. And I'm not sure specifically what type(s) of steel go into making the damascus. Might also be a thicker edge grind than most of Case's CV line (usually thin hollow grind). So, in a nutshell, I'm sure the individual properties of it are making a difference.

I'd just recommend treating it as any other 'unknown' steel. Use a Sharpie to mark the bevel, and a good magnifier to inspect the edge as you work. Take your time with your Sharpmaker, be patient with the process. It'll likely take more time, so just take it easy and see what you can learn about the steel and the process, as you work.

The alternating layers in damascus can make the edge feel more 'toothy', as you mentioned (you should be able to see the 'seams' between layers, at the edge). That's not necessarily a bad thing, so long as the edge is fully apexed & clean. I'm betting you'll learn to like how it cuts.

Here's another thread (Traditional forum) on the topic of Case's Raindrop Damascus. In particular, see jackknife's comments in post #7. He likes the Peanut, and just happens to have one like yours:

Case raindrop damascus?
 
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The damascus is weird stuff. It won't feel as sharp as CV, yet it will slice right through what you put it up to. Being tougher, it may take a bit more honing than what you are used to with CV. I know that shapening my chestnut bone CV peanut, and my amber bone damascus peanut, is two different experiences. You're really dealing with a whole different metal, so you have to sharpen it a wee bit different. That may be going longer on a stone/hone.

It may take you a bit to get used to the stuff.

Carl.
 
Thank you both--

This is definitely a strange, new steel for me. CV is what got me hooked on Case in the first place. But this Damascus is just so gorgeous to look at...
 
I've got the exact same lil' damascus peanut, and it has no problem taking a razor edge. Just give yourself a little more time and make sure you're getting down to the edge. If you are trying to sharpen to a narrow angle it may take a while, as mine came with a pretty steep (thick, obtuse) grind. Check with a sharpie or make sure you get a burr. I like to do my initial bevel setting and first sharpening with freehand stones and only use the sharpmaker for future touch-ups.
 
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