Question= Kershaws damascus steel...

BryFry

BryFry

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
1,722
I'm thinking of getting a damascus steel folder because I like the look of it, but I also plan to use it for EDC.

I see that Kershaw has some very reasonably priced damascus blades, and my question is:

-Does anyone know what their damascus steel is comparable to in terms of strength, hardness, and durability?

Also, if anyone would like to offer any personal knowledge about EDC'ing damascus, or has any sugestions of other makers who offer folders for under/ around $100 feel free to share. :)
 
I think it was babakanoosh who EDC's a damascus shallot blem from kershawguy. I've heard that you may have to re-etch it after a lot of use, but that they do hold up just fine. They are very nice lookers--I use my black shallot Damascus as a dress-pants knife.
 
Kersaw uses Alabama damascus, don't own any so I can't comment on how it performs but it does consist of a mix of quality steels.
 
Howdy,

I EDC a Kershaw Damascus Leek. It's a great knife.

About once a week or after a few weeks, I wipe the blade with an old oiled rag just as a preventative against rust since its not stainless steel. It must be working because it's never got one spot of rust on it.

The damascus takes a GREAT edge! You can get it scary sharp with standard bench stones and stropping. It seems to hold the edge reasonably well too.

I would recomend the Kershaw Damascus Leek. Good value for the money.
 
I agree, it takes a very keen edge quite easily. I believe the damascus has 52100, 5160, and other neat stuff. If so, that would explain it's edge quality. I like it myself, and have no problems keeping it oiled and looking good as I was raised on carbon steels.

It's a great value, and Kershaws are always well made with IMO, the best warranty service around.
 
Thanks! Yeah I was leaning towards the leek also. Looks like a good deal.

May I ask how pronounced the grain is on your guys leeks? -and has it worn much over time?
 
Absolutely LOVE my Damascus Skyline. Came super sharp and the hollow grind makes it a hell of a slicer. I'm a relatively light user though so I can't comment on edge-holding.
 
I have a damascus Zing.It came very sharp out of the box & keeps an edge as well as thier 14C26 from my experience with it.It's a good EDC steel & looks good too IMHO.


Here's a pic of it next to a delica.Had the scales replaced by Phillip Dobson.

IMG_0162.jpg
 
JTR357 said:
I have a damascus Zing.It came very sharp out of the box & keeps an edge as well as thier 14C26 from my experience with it.It's a good EDC steel & looks good too IMHO.


Here's a pic of it next to a delica.Had the scales replaced by Phillip Dobson.

IMG_0162.jpg
Click to expand...

That is very beautiful! The scales look amazing!

I'm always a little nervous ordering off the internet because you never really know if what you get will look as good as the promo pics. -But it looks and sounds like people are generally satisfied with Kershaws quality.

That makes me feel better about pulling the trigger on one! :thumbup:
 
BryFry said:
Thanks! Yeah I was leaning towards the leek also. Looks like a good deal.

May I ask how pronounced the grain is on your guys leeks? -and has it worn much over time?
Click to expand...

The one that I've carried has worn a little bit, but it I don't use it for chopping or hammering. :D
Light use, cutting tape, food etc. (Don't have a pic of it though, sorry)

EDIT**By worn I mean I haven't had to sharpen it too often. The pattern has worn quite a bit, but that's after long term use.**

EDIT**Link for steel composition**
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=547769

Here is some damascus goodness. :D
Some of the photos show more detail.

Scallion
1620DAM.jpg


Chives
1600DAMX3.jpg


Dam Black Shallot
DAMSHALLOTINBLACK.jpg


Dam Skyline
DAMSKYLINE.jpg


Family
DAMFAMILY2.jpg


Plethora
Leeks4.jpg
 
Last edited:
May I ask how pronounced the grain is on your guys leeks? -and has it worn much over time?
Click to expand...

Mine shows scratches but not as bad as some coated stainless knives I've had. They can get bleached out, and need to be re etched, or whatever the correct term is. I've never had that happen, but I've seen pictures. It was in an old thread somewhere. The re etching seemed pretty easy, straight foreward. There is a chemical needed for that IIRC.

I just avoid the acid bleaches, keep it oiled and use it for what it is. A very nice carbon steel that's very easy to get very sharp, but does not have huge amounts of wear resistance like some of the stainless "super steels".

Like the carbon steels that make it up it can make real sharp, biting edges. I keep it a bit toothy, though it will polish up nicely. It's a good choice in production class carbon steel damascus knives IMO.

It's actually about impossible to go wrong with Kershaws in my experience. I'll also vouch for Kershawguy as a dealer in these fine knives too. Joe
 
Great pics and info!

I just hope that the knife I order has a nice bold pattern that really stands out!

So has anyone here actually ever re-etched their blades??
 
The reality is these damascus blades are a little on the soft side to suit most knife nuts. They are serviceable but you'll probably get better performance from the 12C27 or one of the other steels Kershaw uses. I haven't tested any of these myself but I have a couple of knives with damascus from the same source. So understand that I'm giving you information that is somewhat second hand.
 
Knife outlet, not having run real tests on these all I have is my subjective opinion, as it seems you do, but with a different brand using the same steel.

I know which brand you are talking about, and have some of their version of it. My guess is Kershaw is running a couple points higher RC. Certainly not much difference wear resistance wise in a world dominated by supersteels like S90V, even CPM D2, BG42, S30V etc.

The better IMO heat treat with Kershaws makes it easier to get crisper edges, perhaps easier burrs ( mine could be heard snapping off cleanly). Besides from that the level of fit and finish in Kershaws is certainly far higher, and it does show in things like grind lines.

Same Alabama damascus billet perhaps, but that's right where the similarities stop. My opinion anyway. Joe
 
The Mastiff said:
Knife outlet, not having run real tests on these all I have is my subjective opinion, as it seems you do, but with a different brand using the same steel.

I know which brand you are talking about, and have some of their version of it. My guess is Kershaw is running a couple points higher RC. Certainly not much difference wear resistance wise in a world dominated by supersteels like S90V, even CPM D2, BG42, S30V etc.

The better IMO heat treat with Kershaws makes it easier to get crisper edges, perhaps easier burrs ( mine could be heard snapping off cleanly). Besides from that the level of fit and finish in Kershaws is certainly far higher, and it does show in things like grind lines.

Same Alabama damascus billet perhaps, but that's right where the similarities stop. My opinion anyway. Joe
Click to expand...


I'm not suggesting they won't take a good edge. I'm sure they will. I don't question that Kershaw might do a better job with it than others, either. I just think that, if you buy the knife for utility purposes, other steels will provide better performance. I realize people don't normally buy damascus for performance. I know I don't. I buy it for the appearance.

There are some very good damascus steels hand made by craftsmen. The only mass production damascus that I've owned that really performs well is the Damasteel from Scandanavia. Obviously, I haven't owned them all.
 
Knife Outlet said:
I'm not suggesting they won't take a good edge. I'm sure they will. I don't question that Kershaw might do a better job with it than others, either. I just think that, if you buy the knife for utility purposes, other steels will provide better performance. I realize people don't normally buy damascus for performance. I know I don't. I buy it for the appearance.
Click to expand...

I'm not planning on using a damascus folder to anything but light duty cutting. I have plenty of high end steel for the heavy stuff.

I want a damascus blade because I like the looks, but It will be carried at times, and put to some use. -and as I've never owned anything in damascus I was just hoping to learn a litte more about what I can expect from it, before I make a purchase. :)

The info given here is very helpfull, ...much thanks!
 
Girlfriend is getting a Pink handle one for Christmas lol. I'll play with it a bit, if I like it may cop one for myself to piddle around with.
 
Gotsouthern said:
Girlfriend is getting a Pink handle one for Christmas lol. I'll play with it a bit, if I like it may cop one for myself to piddle around with.
Click to expand...

SUUURE ....it's for your "girlfriend" ;)

JK! -let us know what you think of it. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top