Mnandi Damascus as an EDC Blade?

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FranksTheTank

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Oct 9, 2012
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I'm looking to purchase a Mnandi for an office EDC as well as something that can be passed down. I'm torn between the regular steel or to go with a Damascus blade. I've never owned a damascus blade and I would love some input from anyone who has one and carries as an EDC user. I love the looks of the damascus but just want to make sure this isnt something that I should just be sitting in a display case.
 
I had a damascus mnandi and EDC'ed it for quite awhile. I used it for everything you could think of. Cutting boxes open, paper, lots of cardboard, trimmed sharp edges off of rawhide bones for the dog, food prep, everything and it held an edge very well ( just like S30V ) and it never even showed the slightest blemish on the blade. To me, its basically like S30V, only with the beauty of the different colors is all. I Highly Recommend it.
 
Please watch the Youtube video "Using damascus" by soloknifereviews. It will ease your concerns. I put a very thin coat of Nano 10w on certain damascus blades that I use, for a little protection, but that is probably unnecessary. Your blade is SS, which is much more corrosion resistant than high carbon damascus. Makers usually make it clear which type they use.
 
Devin Thomas damascus is actually harder than S30V / S35VN. It will perform flawlessly and with no issues (it might be a tad harder to sharpen) ... The only thing is that the pattern might fade with use, but it can be re-etched eventually. Even though it is stainless, (as with any blade) you should keep it clean and oiled ... especially after going through acidic stuff (e.g. if you slice a lemon).

I wouldn't worry about it. Anything CRK puts out there is high performance and meant to be used (you might not want to since they are so nice ... another thing to consider).
 
As already stated, I would not worry about carrying and using damascus. I recently parted with a bark damascus that I carried for about 2 years and replaced it with another bark damascus. I never had any issues although the pattern slightly faded at the tip. It holds an edge better than S30V. I cannot compare to S35V since I have not carried any of my Mnandis with this steel.
I would recommend that you verify the blade is a stainless version of the damascus. I probably would not carry the HC version, although they do look better imho.
 
masterserg said:
Devin Thomas damascus is actually harder than S30V / S35VN. It will perform flawlessly and with no issues (it might be a tad harder to sharpen) ... The only thing is that the pattern might fade with use, but it can be re-etched eventually. Even though it is stainless, (as with any blade) you should keep it clean and oiled ... especially after going through acidic stuff (e.g. if you slice a lemon).

I wouldn't worry about it. Anything CRK puts out there is high performance and meant to be used (you might not want to since they are so nice ... another thing to consider).
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I'm also very jealous of your Lignum Vitae Mnandi. I've really been trying to track one down and keep coming up dry! If you ever want to get rid of it, let me know!
 
FranksTheTank said:
I'm also very jealous of your Lignum Vitae Mnandi. I've really been trying to track one down and keep coming up dry! If you ever want to get rid of it, let me know!
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Thanks! It was a lucky find and wasn't really expecting it to be that good. It is in my pocket right now and it will be my main user for a while! I'll let you know if I change my mind (but it won't be mint and to be honest, I don't see that happening but who knows ... we are a fickle bunch :) ).

To comment on sk8n's post ... I haven't noticed any real world differences between S30V and S35VN (both using and sharpening). I think 35 has some advantages on the manufacturing end, being a bit easier to work with and taking a better polish.
 
Sounds good. I'll be waiting...

I've only owned S35VN from CRK and have been extremely happen with the steel. I recently bought a new pivot Umnumzaan and now I have this overwhelming need for a mnandi for work (tried a small sebbie, just a little too big for work slacks).

masterserg said:
Thanks! It was a lucky find and wasn't really expecting it to be that good. It is in my pocket right now and it will be my main user for a while! I'll let you know if I change my mind (but it won't be mint and to be honest, I don't see that happening but who knows ... we are a fickle bunch :) ).

To comment on sk8n's post ... I haven't noticed any real world differences between S30V and S35VN (both using and sharpening). I think 35 has some advantages on the manufacturing end, being a bit easier to work with and taking a better polish.
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Just to clarify for the OP, all standard damascus Mnandis are currently made from "Devon Thomas SS". CRK damascus knives made in 2009 and prior MAY have been clear coated. CRK experts should feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken.
 
In my humble opinion, the Mnandi is the best EDC for an office geek as myself. Small, flies under the radar, clips and looks like a pen and can open even the toughest letters (ahem) ... It is just a cool one to have on you.
 
Perfect, office friendly EDC! OK, a damascus blade would be the cherry on top! Of course, if you crack it open on your desk and start taking pictures with your phone ... that sort of defeats the purpose and can earn some funny looks ...

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Okay now your just taunting me! Beautiful knife!

masterserg said:
Perfect, office friendly EDC! OK, a damascus blade would be the cherry on top! Of course, if you crack it open on your desk and start taking pictures with your phone ... that sort of defeats the purpose and can earn some funny looks ...

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Mnandi is a great choice for office carry. People are more likely to want to see it than be scared by it. I have two that are in my work rotation, I would love add one in Damascus! From my use, Damascus holds a nice edge and is easy to sharpen.
 
sk8n said:
As already stated, I would not worry about carrying and using damascus. I recently parted with a bark damascus that I carried for about 2 years and replaced it with another bark damascus. I never had any issues although the pattern slightly faded at the tip. It holds an edge better than S30V. I cannot compare to S35V since I have not carried any of my Mnandis with this steel.
I would recommend that you verify the blade is a stainless version of the damascus. I probably would not carry the HC version, although they do look better imho.
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And the one parted with continues to be carried, admired, and appreciated almost daily. I've gone through a handful of mnandi in fairly quick succession, but this one truly is a keeper and has handled everything I've tossed at it.

ED4893F5-7B84-4D1D-BF78-154F467FF9F6-9523-000004B538A833A6_zps7fb2474d.jpg
 
ganagati said:
And the one parted with continues to be carried, admired, and appreciated almost daily. I've gone through a handful of mnandi in fairly quick succession, but this one truly is a keeper and has handled everything I've tossed at it.
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Nice to see it again and happy to hear it is still caried, admired and appreciated.
 
Alright, now I'm having a little trouble hunting down a Damascus blade anywhere. Any guidance from anyone, I mean besides keeping my eye on the exchange?
 
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