How rust prone is CRK Damascus?

[Bluemantra]

Looking at maybe getting a Sebenza with Damascus rain drop steel and would be using to cut fruit and other edc use on boxes. I was wondering how prone it is to patina or rust as compared to the S45VN and Magnacut they also use. And also wondering on edge retention and ease of sharpening. Thanks

 

[Non.Nisi.Te]

I have what I believe is Devin Thomas Ladder on my Large 21, after using it for about a year the dark coating is somewhat worn off and I've noticed it's more prone to get some pepper spots if I don't take care of it; no real patina that I've noticed. The edge retention has actually been great for me, I noticed no difference from S35VN. I haven't had to sharpen it on stones but I've stropped and honed on a steel and it's been pretty responsive. I'll try and take some pictures this evening. Good luck!

Steve

 

[sailfish]

Edge retention won't be quite as good but I find it barely noticeable and it will sharpen and strop easier. I use my damascus pretty hard and have yet to see any rusting or patina. Just lightening of the etch.

 

[sailfish]

Check out this thread for even more first hand accounts.

Damascus EDC, the start of a journey: Est. 2017 (w. April 2022 update).

Hey all. On August 1st I started carrying my Raindrop Damascus 21 daily, and plan on carrying it through to the end of December. 5 months of solid carry. The knife has already started to show some wear on the blade as well as lots of snail trails on the slabs (that never seem to show in...

www.bladeforums.com

 

[Bluemantra]

That Damascus in PJ looks so good! Is that a small 21? I've noticed the Rain drop pattern costs more than the other patterns. Any particular reason for this price difference?

 

[sailfish]

That Damascus with PJ looks so good! Is that a small 21? I've the Rain drop pattern costs more than the other patterns. Any particular reason for this price difference?

Small 21 with Chad Nichols ladder. All the patterns cost the same back when I bought that. I noticed the prices were the same on the 31 too back when damascus was still available but it's not even an option for ordering currently. The prices you're seeing are probably whatever sellers feel like charging due to overwhelming demand and very little availability, especially if you're looking at a now discontinued 21.

 

[Jacques Mi]

Edge retention won't be quite as good but I find it barely noticeable and it will sharpen and strop easier. I use my damascus pretty hard and have yet to see any rusting or patina. Just lightening of the etch.

I recently got my first CRK - Small 31 PJ Insingo in Magnacut - and I gotta say that those pictures of yours is a reassuring factor for that I made a right choice with the purchase. Thanks a bunch.
BTW. your used knife looks

 

[Bluemantra]

Just curious to know if there are any methods to darken the etch back up after it lightens with time and use?

 

[sailfish]

Just curious to know if there are any methods to darken the etch back up after it lightens with time and use?

Oiling the blade makes the design stand out and shine more. Looks almost new, for the life of the oil coating at least. The only way to truly restore it is to send it in to CRK and have them re-etch the blade. Or do it yourself if you really know what you're doing but that risks voiding the warranty.

 

[BTTLBRN]

Straight from their site -

We can usually re-etch the pattern on a blade to bring back its definition. However, we recommend caution when choosing this route. Re-etching can only be done a few times and will shorten the life-span of the blade since the process involves removing material.

Note: We cannot re-etch discontinued models with Damascus blades since we would be unable to replace the blade if damage were to occur during the process.

If you would like to request re-etching or you are facing issues with your Damascus blade, please send your knife into our shop for service.

Just an FYI.