Wearing through damascus pattern

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kev_800

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Nov 16, 2014
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Hi All:

I've searched the forums and haven't really been able to find an answer to this question. I have a Master Saji petty knife (R-2 steel, Damascus pattern with ironwood handle). I've had it for a few years and have used it a lot. After grinding the edge several times for sharpening (I'm admittedly not the best sharpener, I probably remove too much material to get it sharp but I'm learning), the edge has been ground a small ways towards the spine. The Damascus pattern that wraps over the R-2 steel core is getting close to the cutting edge in some places. Does this mean the "nickel stainless" Damascus will now be my cutting edge? And if so, does that mean the knife is worthless? I've attached pictures so you can see what I mean.

Here's a link to the knives. It's the SRD-1P1 / 90mm paring knife.

http://www.japanesechefsknife.com/SajiR2CustomDamascusSeries.html#Saji R-2 Custom Damascus

Here's the knife I have - it isn't my actual knife because I can't insert photos... but here it is:

f1.gif



Can someone explain to me what happens when you wear through the core material and are into the cladded material on the outside of a Damascus blade?

Thanks!
 
Your knife will continue to perform. Even in the case of san mai Damascus where there is a core metal when you sharpen you expose that core metal at the point where the edge is ground. The reason it doesn't look the same is because to get the pattern to show it needs to be etched. When you sharpen you remove that etching. But as long as that core steel goes close to the spine (which it most certainly should) you should be fine for a very long time.
 
Ok, so you're saying because of the angle of the grind the lowest portion will always be the core material, and the side of the bevel may be the cladding, but the edge itself will always be the core? Yes, this is san mai I imagine since it is clad with the nickel stainless.

Thank you!
 
kev_800 said:
Ok, so you're saying because of the angle of the grind the lowest portion will always be the core material, and the side of the bevel may be the cladding, but the edge itself will always be the core? Yes, this is san mai I imagine since it is clad with the nickel stainless.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Yes. That core steel will always be what is exposed at the edge. the only time that would change is if the core material was really shallow. But nearly all makers worth their salt making san mai make the core deep enough for many years of good use. The only way I would worry is if you actually notice a drop in performance.
 
Great. Thanks for the concise answer and clarification. Maybe it seems like a dumb question, but I wasn't really sure.
 
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