Should damascus blades and bolsters match?

Chuck Gedraitis Knives

Chuck Gedraitis Knives

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Dec 10, 1998
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I would like to know what you guys think about damascus blades and bolsters. I feel that a knife with a damascus blade has to have damascus bolsters. Should they match so the knife flows and the bolster looks like a continuation of the blade? Or should they be of two different damascus patterns, complementing each other. Be aware that two differing damascus patterns on a knife, and an exotic handle material might be too much "going on" on a knife.
Thanks,
Chuck
 
Don't get me wrong, I like Damascus bolsters just fine, but I have seen plenty of examples where nickle, stainless, or even brass bolsters complement a Damascus pattern just fine. I have a Damascus blade knife with stainless bolster, and it is just perfect.

But in answer to your question, whether the patterns match, or whether they are completely different, complementing the blade is a situation that can go either way. You mentioned having too much "going on" on a knife. Well, sometimes the Damascus blade and bolster is too much in some cases, and just perfect in others.

My answer to your question is this then.....

It is in the eye of the beholder. :D
 
It can go any of a number of ways, including a non-damascus bolster. When using damascus in both areas, it's easiest to get things to "match" if the blade and bolster are of the same pattern. Whatever is used, I think it's important that there be a concept employed, whether it's contrasts, or flow, or whatever. I just hate it when materials and patterns are thrown at a piece without rhyme or reason, just to use the materials.

More often than not, when makers try using different damascus for the blade and bolster, I see a mismatch.
 
look at this and you know what i mean:


View


the damaskus is stainless "little pyramides" by Markus Balbach
the bolsters are titanium - and
the scales are from reindeer horn

for me it seems to fit to another very well :cool: :D
 
I personally do think many nice damascus knives look great with damascus bolsters, but I've seen so many beautiful materials used that actually accentuate the beauty, that I'd have to disagree....(i.e., High Carbon Damascus with Mokume Bolsters)....gorgeous!





"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
I have to agree that it is in the eye if the beholder. My preference is for high contrast between a damascus blade and damascus bolsters.
 
Now Keith, to me those are not contrasting patterns at all. I think they complement each other very well especially in the first pic. They appear to be from the same maker and made in a similar way, just slightly different patterns. Nice knives BTW!

I think your folder is outstanding Chuck! I really like the imaginative treatment of the spine. It gives it a dragon feel. I don't think that the elements of your piece clash either. I am definitely one of those that thinks that makers sometimes go overboard and add too many things to their pieces. It's the old checks and plaids argument. However, if you have a damascus blade I think SS, titanium or anything else could be very complementary given the right situation .

BTW, I'm still interested in that bronze sheet....:)
 
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