Should Damascus be reserved only as safe queen, or can it be EDC?

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agoutihead

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I love Damascus, it's one of my favorite looks.

But should Damascus only be reserved as safe queen material?

Or can it be used as EDC with no worries to ruining the finish?
 
Classic damascus is typically not stainless, meaning you could probably put dark stains on it when cutting an orange, for example.
Damasteel should be stainless, and Mcusta's different interpretation of the damascus concept won't rust either.
 
Dagon said:
Classic damascus is typically not stainless, meaning you could probably put dark stains on it when cutting an orange, for example.
Damasteel should be stainless, and Mcusta's different interpretation of the damascus concept won't rust either.
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So I should be looking for Damasteel? What is that exactly?

How does it compare to say D2 of S30V? (One of those is probably the material of my next knife)

Know of any companies that offer that along with a Ti frame lock?

I've been seeing some CR & a couple other similar knives have damascus blades in their Ti frame locks... so are those generally safe queens? (I cant afford a CR anyways, so it doesnt really matter)
 
I just read this on Benchmades website:

DAMASCUS: A specially forged, layered steel made up of a variety of steels, It offers remarkable toughness and edge quality. For finishing, the surface layers or lines are exposed through an acid etch, which creates a very unique visual effect. Used in special applications due to its inherent high cost and artistic nature.

I dont know if they're talking about traditional damascus or the damasteel you spoke of.

So basically one should be able to use damascus as EDC without having to worry about diminishing the Damascus pattern then right?

Does it act as if its a "coating" or more like an "Effect"?
 
damasteel is made of rwl34 and the powdered equivalent of 12c27. it should behave a mix of the two...

it'll be pretty hard to loose the pattern on a stainless damascus but keep in mind that the contrast you see is an oxide layer, it will scratch.

anyway restoring the pattern is quite easy. some sandpaper, some ferric chloride (pcb etchant) and some baking soda is all you need. polish the blade, degrease it, soak it in ferric chloride, watch the pattern appear rinse and neutralise with baking soda and water.


and damascus in general doesn't offer special toughness nor edge quality, it behaves very different according to the steels used.
 
if you have a damascus blade and you wish to EDC it, go right ahead and enjoy using your knife.
 
agoutihead said:
So I should be looking for Damasteel? What is that exactly?
How does it compare to say D2 of S30V? (One of those is probably the material of my next knife)

Know of any companies that offer that along with a Ti frame lock?

I've been seeing some CR & a couple other similar knives have damascus blades in their Ti frame locks... so are those generally safe queens? (I cant afford a CR anyways, so it doesnt really matter)
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Damasteel is a company in Sweden that produces damascus steel product. They manufacture both carbon steel and stainless steel product. http://www.damasteel.com/index.html

If you buy quality steel (damascus or otherwise) you can use use it in confidence.

Damascus with scratch, patina, hold an edge, etc. like any other knife, depending on the steel, heat treat etc, etc.

Kevin
 
I've got a couple of Damascus folders, but could not bring myself to use them.

The only reason I don't is because if you scratch a plain blade up alot, and want to make it look good again sanding is all thats needed.

If you want to clean up the sratches on your Damascus you have to have it acid etched again.
 
swmp4L said:
I EDC my Raindrop Damascus Large Sebenza!

Works GREAT!
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+1:thumbup: Me too!(except replace 'raindrop' with 'ladder')

I like the damascus better than the standard steel used.Seems to take a finer edge.
 
15n20, which is used fairly often in damascus patternwelding is pretty super high in nickle.. and it actually imparts some stain resistance into the steel mix after welded a few times.

Its certainly not stainless, but its about as close as traditional carbon steels get. Just wash it after cutting acidic things, and wipe it after use otherwise and your good :)
 
Just received a LG 21 Sebenza raindrop damascus, it's replacing my BG42 millie as my EDC!!
 
agoutihead said:
It seems any damascus on Ti folders is way out of my budget. (175ish) So there goes that idea I guess.
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You may find a damascus folder of acceptable quality for $75 - $100, but pretty unlikely to find a Ti folder, or high quality damascus steel for that price range.

Kevin
 
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