Is there any damascus steels out there better than damasteel?

[Sundermanknives]

All I have ever been told damasteel is the end all/be all whenever people talk about high performance damascus knives. But is that truly the case? Is it possible for a professional bladesmith to come up with a damascus composition that is much more superior to that of damasteel?

 

[Ajack60]

Probably not. Two completely different methods creating sim looks. For me, Damasteel has no soul. If I want a superior edge holding steel, I’ll choose something else.

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

Core Damascus is the best of both worlds. I saw Chad had some Magnacut core Damascus at one time. That would be the ultimate as long as the heat treat could be done right.

 

[Bob Denman]

I have both, and I'll happily accept the "limitations" of good Damascus; for it's MUCH better looks...

 

[HexY3co]

Perhaps Wootz is better.

 

[madcap_magician]

Pattern-welded steel basically performs like the average of its components, so assuming it's made well, it's the sum of its parts. There is some compromise because the steels have to be selected for contrast and appearance and not solely for performance. Really high-end Damascus will mainly compromise in terms of price - M390 or Magnacut core San mai Damascus will give up nothing to any other cutlery steel, except it's hard to find and really expensive. Damasteel might give a slight edge because it is formed by powder metallurgy and it's probably more regular and even.