Is it just me? Damascus?

[HoosierQ]

Folks, please forgive me in advance. I do not wish to offend nor do I wish to say a single word that would change anybody's mind about what they like. Our's is a very personal hobby I think.

Is it just me, or does anybody else really not like Damascus all that well? It seems like what people comment most upon as beautiful, to my eyes, is the most busy or intricate pattern. Does anyone besided me think that the pattern in the blade detracts from the lines of the steel?

Again, do not think for a moment that I am knocking or diminishing what is clearly a high art form that goes back centuries and is clearly alive and well today. God bless every great bladesmith out there.

I just wondered if I am alone? I just had to ask...I feel better now.

 

[LX_Emergency]

Actually...I don't really like most of the busy patterns. I like simple lines mostly. Every now and then a pattern finishes the way a knife looks however.

Sometimes the way a knife is built, the handle materials etc just NEED a busy pattern blade.

Only the best knifemakers make pieces that I find this is true for though, people like Don Hanson on some of his blades for instance.

 

[13ninjas]

Yep, just you.

 

[THE PUNISHER]

damascus rocks the knife world................

 

[singularity35]

Damascus? not for me.

 

[TAH]

When it's done well, I love it...

Tim Hancock hunter

 

[clemsonreeder]

I love it. Especially anything by Bruce Bump. I truly aspire to make anything as nice as he does someday.

 

[Billbo66]

I like a well executed hamon more than crazy pattern damascus.

 

[Bhamster]

I like it as long as it is not in competition with an overly elaborate handle, bolster etc. Some folding knives are just to busy looking when damascus is paired with other heavily ornamented parts. A big culinary knife with damascus and a simple dark wood handle can give me sialorrhea. A lovely hamon is knife but I would tend to avoid using the knife for fear of destroying it.

 

[Dag-nabit]

Overall, I'm a fan of Damascus, however I do agree that sometimes the pattern weld can be too busy and detract from the overall effect.

For me it is on a knife by knife basis.

Kevin

PS, no offence taken, we all have our preferences, and I like plain steel blades just as much as patterned steel.


Here's an example of "exception of the rule". This knife has a pretty busy damascus pattern, but I think it compliments the pattern in the Elder burl handle nicely. This example works for me, YMMV.

Generally, my preference is for the "wavy line" damascus pattern that tends to follow the flow of the blade.

 

[singularity35]

To the OP: nice way to start a Damascus porn thread.

 

[Slowstarter]

I don´t care for damascus steel. I don´t think it´s beautiful and I don´t seee the advantage of damascus steel. I would never pay extra bucks for that kind of steel design.

 

[Wolfjohn]

I really like Damascus steel. I think it's beautiful and I do see the advatages of damascus steel. I would gladly pay extra bucks for that kind of steel.......if I didn't make it myself.

 

[beau007]

I agree with you a little. Sometimes it just makes the knife look too busy. But on the other hand, it can be mesmerizing. Take a look, below. I bet you didn't think this would turn into a damascus blade family album thread . Bottom line, it is art, you like it or you don't--but it is still art, IMHO.

 

[Rick]

I went a little overboard buying fancy pattern welded steel folders for a while, especially the mosaic stuff, but I eventually grew a bit tired of it and now prefer a more understated look, though I still like some of the more subtle patterns like this Damasteel. It's still busy, but I think it complements rather than overpowers the lines of the blade grind.

 

[wongKI]

Agreed with the above posters. Damascus is awesome when paired with a relatively simple handle style-such as the Sebenza. It loses its appeal to me when you have scrimshawed bolsters, filework on the liners and other heavy ornamentation.

 

[Locust]

I too think Damascus is too busy and have been wondering if others felt the same way as well. Though I do agree that it is definitely an art.

 

[Danbo]

Damascus rocks! :thumbup:

 

[tiguy7]

Carbon steel damascus requires too much maintenance to suit me. Stainless damascus does not have a uniform microedge (neither does Carbon steel damascus). I like the looks of damascus, but it doesn't perform like high end alloys. William Henry solved the problem by laminating a ZDP-189/ stainless damascus blade. The bread in the sandwich is SS damascus, and the bologna in the sandwich is ZDP-189 at 65 HRC. This combo is my present EDC. I also have a Benchmade 943Ti with a Stamascus blade. It is quite practical and beautiful, but the performance doesn't quite equal the ZDP.

 

[Kaizen1]

I like about 40% of the damascus I see. I think it's easy to make it unattractive. I agree that many seem to talk about it like it magically makes any given design that much better, but I don't necessarily think that to be the case. My girlfriend would agree with the OP. Everytime I show her a damascus blade, she tends not to like the design.