I'm about to drop $700+ on a brand new Large 21. Before I do it, school me on Damascus.

[OhioApexing]

I've recently gotten away from Spydercos and Benchmades into CRKs and things of the like. I've briefly owned a 21 and an Inkosi, each with Micarta inlays. I loved each of them, but I kept drooling over the wooden inlays when I would see them on the forums. So, I've decided to pick up a large 21 in either Box Elder Burl (leaning toward that), Thuya Burl, or Spalted Beech (feel free to add your suggestions on each).

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go all-out and pick up a Damascus blade, too. That said, what are your experiences with them? What are the upsides and drawbacks of them when compared to S35VN? I've tried to read other posts about this subject, but most of it goes into fairly complex metallurgy which tends to make me go crosseyed. How do they differ in everyday applications and longevity?

Which Damascus pattern do you like the most? And why?

It is my understanding that the Raindrop pattern underwent a manufacturer change recently. Apparently some of you love the change, others don't. What should I be aware of?


At this rate, all I can do is look at pictures online, none of which really do any justice to the blades. Apparently, the differences beyond the general patterns are stark.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

 

[ljusmc]

The average user will see no noticeable difference in performance between Damascus and S35VN. It will hold up just as well as the other.

If you are an extreme hard user, or if you use the Damascus blade exclusively for years on end, you may see some discoloration around the thumb stud from opening, or you may experience the Damascus pattern fading as the etching wears off. This can be re-done.

But, again, the average user will see virtually no change in the appearance of the steel over time. In fact, if you’re are getting a wood inlay and Damascus, I would be more concerned with how the wood will hold up over the blade.

If you have the money, and want the Damascus, then you need not worry when a little bit about how it will perform. The only thing you need to ponder is the pattern. I like them all, but have only ever owned raindrop.

 

[Ajack60]

CRK uses Devin Thomas and Chad Nichols Damascus. You can go to their web sites to get the specs on the steel used.
As ljusmc mentioned, the etching will fade with use over time. I haven't seen a discernible difference in performance with the Damascus. The only draw back is that it's so gorgeous and you may have a hard time actually using it . I like the ladder pattern because it appeals to me the most.
Any of the wood inlays are stunning, so that's entirely on you which one catches your eye. The draw back to a wood inlay, IMO, is the type of environment you'll be using it in. Hot, humid, wet is not a suitable environment for any wood regardless of who the maker is.
Now, a micarta Damascus is just sexy and begging to be used each and ever day. Just saying

 

[aji1]

I have a ladder Damascus Mnandi with Box Elder burl inlays that I have been carrying daily for about eight months. I use it frequently, but mostly for light duty stuff (packaging, some cardboard and thin plastic, fruit and other food, the occasional zip-tie, etc.). The Damascus has held up really well, with almost no visible wear (except for a slight scratch where I hit a hidden staple). As Ajack60 mentioned, it is a little bit of a mental hurdle to actually start using it since it is so attractive...

The Box Elder inlays are really beautiful, in my opinion, and also show almost no signs of wear thus far. There is a lot of variation in the burl, though, so (if you can't pick it out in person) I would ask for photos of the inlays for the specific knife you might purchase.

 

[TYPE-R]

I recently switched to carrying Damascus full time and haven't noticed any difference. It took a bit longer to smooth up then my S35VN did but that could just be the knife and not the Damascus itself.
I like all 3 current offering with Basketweave being my favorite. With Raindrop it depends on if you like a looser pattern like the recent Devin Thomas or a tighter pattern like the Chad Nichols. I haven't seen a Chad Nichols in person but from the ones posed here they look really nice.
Here's my DT Raindrop with a looser pattern.

Most sites seem to have actual pictures of the knife so you know what your getting.

 

[blanco112]

If you buy damascus you are buying it for looks, not performance, although it will perform quite well. As others mentioned, it will change in a user. I'll disagree the change is subtle so you have to be prepared to think of it as patina and appreciate it.

One thing to keep in mind is that in person the dark metal in the blade is often closer to grey than black. Contrast can change in the light. So can the patina. It can see to look brand new and then you shift it and where your thumb rides you can see a lightly faded area. My first damascus blade I was kind of disappointed, but I grew to love it and have acquired more over time.

 

[OhioApexing]

First, thanks for all of your replies thus far!

...you may experience the Damascus pattern fading as the etching wears off. This can be re-done.

Is the etching covered under CRK warranty? Meaning, would they re-do it? Or would I need to have someone else do it?

Any of the wood inlays are stunning, so that's entirely on you which one catches your eye. The draw back to a wood inlay, IMO, is the type of environment you'll be using it in. Hot, humid, wet is not a suitable environment for any wood regardless of who the maker is.

I live in Ohio (at least for the next year or so) and I don't really see myself moving to a more humid environment like the Southeast US. It gets pretty damned hot and humid here May through September, but do you think that keeping it in the sheath would give it more protection? Or might that trap moisture?

I've never personally handled any of the wood inlayed Sebenzas. Is there any sort of lacquer/coating on the inlays? Or is it just exposed wood?

The Box Elder inlays are really beautiful, in my opinion, and also show almost no signs of wear thus far. There is a lot of variation in the burl, though, so (if you can't pick it out in person) I would ask for photos of the inlays for the specific knife you might purchase.

Do you carry yours in a sheath? Or just clipped to your pocket?

If you buy damascus you are buying it for looks, not performance, although it will perform quite well. As others mentioned, it will change in a user. I'll disagree the change is subtle so you have to be prepared to think of it as patina and appreciate it.

One thing to keep in mind is that in person the dark metal in the blade is often closer to grey than black. Contrast can change in the light. So can the patina. It can see to look brand new and then you shift it and where your thumb rides you can see a lightly faded area. My first damascus blade I was kind of disappointed, but I grew to love it and have acquired more over time.

I have been apprehensive to actually use some of my rarer Spydercos, mostly because I think I've always known that I would eventually want to resell them. When I'm thinking about this CRK purchase, I'm envisioning buying it for life. I own several leather products and I love how they patina over time. Same with some of my copper EDC gear. It becomes uniquely mine. So I think I'm okay with this!

I do have a question though. It wasn't until the last few days that I noticed how incredibly varied each Damascus blade is. In the photos I've been browsing, some blades seem to be darker and more deeply etched than others, even the same pattern manufactured by the same maker (ESPECIALLY ladder, and to a lesser extent, basketweave). Is that reflected in reality, or is it simply a matter of lighting and photographer?

 

[OhioApexing]

With Raindrop it depends on if you like a looser pattern like the recent Devin Thomas or a tighter pattern like the Chad Nichols. I haven't seen a Chad Nichols in person but from the ones posed here they look really nice.

Did I see that one seems to be more deeply etched than the other? Or are they fairly comparable? Are they both stainless? I think I read that CRK is only producing Chad Nichols Raindrop. Is that true?

 

[aleforme]

Basket vs Chad Nichols Raindrop.

 

[blanco112]

I do have a question though. It wasn't until the last few days that I noticed how incredibly varied each Damascus blade is. In the photos I've been browsing, some blades seem to be darker and more deeply etched than others, even the same pattern manufactured by the same maker (ESPECIALLY ladder, and to a lesser extent, basketweave). Is that reflected in reality, or is it simply a matter of lighting and photographer?

It can be both based on the etch and pattern but also lighting. Here are four pictures of the same knife just moving the angle around in the sun. You can also see that in some photos the little area near the nail nick is lighter.

 

[Ajack60]

OhioApexing , yes, a pocket/belt sheath will offer protection against the elements. I carry my CRK's in a pocket sheath, I've grown accustomed to the knife falling sideways in my pocket and therefore constantly having to adjust it. It keeps me in check so I don't lose the knife. From what I understand, CRK will re etch the blade once only. Don't know if there is a charge for the service. I think the woods are stabilized, meaning that they are not bare wood without being treated. It helps with the cutting and handling of the wood. Some of the woods take a better stabilizing than others.
Down here in the deep south, low humidity is anything below 60%, most summer days are 70+

 

[TYPE-R]

Did I see that one seems to be more deeply etched than the other? Or are they fairly comparable? Are they both stainless? I think I read that CRK is only producing Chad Nichols Raindrop. Is that true?

Devin Thomas seems pretty consistent with the depth of his etch but not sure how Chad Nichols actually is.
Chad Nichols started making CRK's Raindrop earlier this year while Devin Thomas still makes the Ladder and Basketweave, both are stainless.

Each pattern has variations but some of it is also the lighting when photographed.
My Basketweave

random net Basketweave

Mine is a Bog Oak inlay. I carry it everyday without a sheath, just drop it in my pocket and go. The Ti scales have picked up a few scratches but no scratches or problems with the wood at all. The polished Ti finish also hides small scratches really well. I love the look of darker inlay and blade on the polished frame so I bought her to be a user and have no regrets about any of the wear she's taken.

 

[EveryDayTaco]

Beautiful CRK.
Is this DT or CN?
____________________

CRK uses Devin Thomas and Chad Nichols Damascus. You can go to their web sites to get the specs on the steel used.
As ljusmc mentioned, the etching will fade with use over time. I haven't seen a discernible difference in performance with the Damascus. The only draw back is that it's so gorgeous and you may have a hard time actually using it . I like the ladder pattern because it appeals to me the most.
Any of the wood inlays are stunning, so that's entirely on you which one catches your eye. The draw back to a wood inlay, IMO, is the type of environment you'll be using it in. Hot, humid, wet is not a suitable environment for any wood regardless of who the maker is.
Now, a micarta Damascus is just sexy and begging to be used each and ever day. Just saying

 

[Ajack60]

Beautiful CRK.
Is this DT or CN?
____________________

DT ladder, from what I'm seeing of the C.N. ladder, I'll stick with DT ladder. The CN rain drop is nice though

 

[EveryDayTaco]

DT ladder, from what I'm seeing of the C.N. ladder, I'll stick with DT ladder. The CN rain drop is nice though

bhq has this instock. item description doesn't specify DT or CN so I just sent them an email.
i've been collecting CRK's for a year, small 21, large 21, 25 and umnum.
if this is a match then it's time to get my first damascus.
where is yours from? did you change lanyard too?

 

[Ajack60]

bhq has this instock. item description doesn't specify DT or CN so I just sent them an email.
i've been collecting CRK's for a year, small 21, large 21, 25 and umnum.
if this is a match then it's time to get my first damascus.
where is yours from? did you change lanyard too?

I got mine from a member here who ordered it from CRK. It has double lugs. The lanyard is home grown. A friend of mine is into lanyard making and did some for me. He couldn't get the para cord through the lanyard pin so he used the holes for the pin.
Edit, I looked at the ones at BHQ, they look like Devin Thomas ladder. The Chad Nichols ladder isn't as tight of a pattern.

 

[loon#r]

Worn CRK damascus looks pretty cool. Be sure not to baby it.

 

[nyefmaker]

I have carried CRK damascus for years. I have always likened it to perform like S30V, one of my favorite steels. It holds up extremely well and does so with a beautiful touch. It will fade a tad with use over the years, but not significantly and will still look beautiful. It will hold a nice edge for all your edc needs. I am not the biggest fan of Raindrop, but have owned a few. Ladder ( which took me awhile to warm up too for some reason ) and Basketweave are my favorite production damascus that is readily available. Currently carrying a large Damascus UG 21.

 

[Dcdavis]

bhq has this instock. item description doesn't specify DT or CN so I just sent them an email.
i've been collecting CRK's for a year, small 21, large 21, 25 and umnum.
if this is a match then it's time to get my first damascus.
where is yours from? did you change lanyard too?

I’m a fan of the DT ladder Damascus also. The handful of CN ladder I’ve seen haven’t been the best in my opinion. Every blade and pattern will vary tho. Here’s two Nichols raindrops and one Thomas ladder. I don’t have any raindrops that look identical, the two DT ladders I have are pretty close to the same

 

[WValtakis]

Love the Devin Thomas ladder pattern