Who is your favorite maker of Damascus?

[SavageSick]

In terms of genuine damascus (not the fake Pakastani crap), I've only tried Spyderco's SekiCity damascus (Suminagashi pattern) which happens to have a VG10 core. I was wondering if any of you folk hard-uses their damascus folders. Recently, I've been infatuated with Damasteel, but cannot seem to find it in the appropriate production folder that suits my taste (I can't seem to agree with Reate or Benchmade Gold Class). Also, any thoughts on Devin Thomas damascus found in the Chris Reeve lineup?

• How's the edge retention and which steels are relatable (i.e. s30v, vg10, etc.)
• Which folders can this be found in?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Modern Damascus such as Damasteel, etc.. does draw my interest, but if it came down to purchasing a knife, I would most likely opt for plain blade steel. For example: Damascus Mnandi vs. plain Mnandi...

Certain custom makers who are utilizing laminated blades are another story. The fixed blades they make with a visible border between the differentiating steels are another story. I have a different type of appreciation for the makers of such blades, especially when they are doing the forging themselves.

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

If I had to pick a single favorite?
Haley DesRosiers' Batsauce is outstanding.

 

[madcap_magician]

Bertie Rietveld's Dragonskin is some pretty cool stuff.

I am a big fan of Damasteel's patterns. The contrast with their stainless really pops.

Nichols' Elmax- and XHP-cored Boomerang Damascus is really cool.

 

[Chefget]

I've used Robert Eggerling damascus for years, not really 'hard' use but constant, non-babying use. As a constant companion in a commercial kitchen, his steel gets just about everything thrown at it. Eggerling damascus is not stainless, but surprisingly rust resistant for what I put it through.

The steel always sharpens great (I keep 'em near shaving sharp) and cuts like a razor. Plus Mr. Eggerling might just be the nicest guy in the knife game (no offence Stan )

Here are a couple pieces made from Eggerling steel...

-Michael

 

[Horsewright]

I have used both Devin Thomas (stainless and high carbon) damascus and Damasteel. Both are superb, high quality, high end, premium knife steels.

Damasteel above and Devin Thomas High Contrast below.

I have also made many hundreds of hard use, more moderately priced knives from Alabama Damascus for working cowboys and ranchers. Think of your favorite 1095 knife and thats what I'd equate the performance to, if heat treat is done well.

My own personal EDC for 3.5-4 years above. In use below doctoring a calf:

 

[Rich S]

I really like the Mcusta laminated damascus with a VG10 core. Razor sharp and holds an edge.

Rich

 

[SavageSick]

Bertie Rietveld's Dragonskin is some pretty cool stuff.

I am a big fan of Damasteel's patterns. The contrast with their stainless really pops.

Nichols' Elmax- and XHP-cored Boomerang Damascus is really cool.

I've read on some instagram posts that the colour from the Damascus fades away. Can you confirm if this is true? I've been looking into the Marfione Dragonskin damascus for quite some time.

 

[SavageSick]

I've used Robert Eggerling damascus for years, not really 'hard' use but constant, non-babying use. As a constant companion in a commercial kitchen, his steel gets just about everything thrown at it. Eggerling damascus is not stainless, but surprisingly rust resistant for what I put it through.

The steel always sharpens great (I keep 'em near shaving sharp) and cuts like a razor. Plus Mr. Eggerling might just be the nicest guy in the knife game (no offence Stan )
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-Michael

Those knives are beautiful... they seem to belong behind a case of glass

Thanks for sharing - I will look into Eggerling.

 

[SavageSick]

I have used both Devin Thomas (stainless and high carbon) damascus and Damasteel. Both are superb, high quality, high end, premium knife steels.

Damasteel above and Devin Thomas High Contrast below.

I have also made many hundreds of hard use, more moderately priced knives from Alabama Damascus for working cowboys and ranchers. Think of your favorite 1095 knife and thats what I'd equate the performance to, if heat treat is done well.

My own personal EDC for 3.5-4 years above. In use below doctoring a calf:

Wow! Thanks for sharing... Definitely a grail steel for me.

Do you know if these are still viably strong on CRK Sebenzas? I've read from many previous posts that these compare closely to S30v. If that's the case, it's amazing!

 

[madcap_magician]

I've read on some instagram posts that the colour from the Damascus fades away. Can you confirm if this is true? I've been looking into the Marfione Dragonskin damascus for quite some time.

Can't help you there, sorry. I would imagine it probably does just like any damascus will fade with use as the etched portion of the steel wears.

 

[SpySmasher]

Bertie Rietveld's Dragonskin is some pretty cool stuff.

Probably my favorite. Wish I had something in Dragonskin.

I've used Robert Eggerling damascus for years, not really 'hard' use but constant, non-babying use. As a constant companion in a commercial kitchen, his steel gets just about everything thrown at it. Eggerling damascus is not stainless, but surprisingly rust resistant for what I put it through.

The steel always sharpens great (I keep 'em near shaving sharp) and cuts like a razor. Plus Mr. Eggerling might just be the nicest guy in the knife game (no offence Stan )

Here are a couple pieces made from Eggerling steel...

-Michael

WOW. I just got like six new favorites.

 

[W. Anderson]

I've used Robert Eggerling damascus for years, not really 'hard' use but constant, non-babying use. As a constant companion in a commercial kitchen, his steel gets just about everything thrown at it. Eggerling damascus is not stainless, but surprisingly rust resistant for what I put it through.

The steel always sharpens great (I keep 'em near shaving sharp) and cuts like a razor. Plus Mr. Eggerling might just be the nicest guy in the knife game (no offence Stan )

Here are a couple pieces made from Eggerling steel...

-Michael

Oh..my....

Thanks for posting this. Top of the game for sure.

 

[W. Anderson]

I have used both Devin Thomas (stainless and high carbon) damascus and Damasteel. Both are superb, high quality, high end, premium knife steels.

Damasteel above and Devin Thomas High Contrast below.

I have also made many hundreds of hard use, more moderately priced knives from Alabama Damascus for working cowboys and ranchers. Think of your favorite 1095 knife and thats what I'd equate the performance to, if heat treat is done well.

My own personal EDC for 3.5-4 years above. In use below doctoring a calf:

Just had a look at your website and I must say, you do some beautiful work.

 

[W. Anderson]

I have a Damascus 'scalpel' by Phillip Patton that I use almost daily for cutting paper and board. Its made of O1 and L6 and I find it holds an edge as well as straight O1 in this use. So pretty darn good.

 

[FullMetalJackass]

I've used Robert Eggerling damascus for years, not really 'hard' use but constant, non-babying use. As a constant companion in a commercial kitchen, his steel gets just about everything thrown at it. Eggerling damascus is not stainless, but surprisingly rust resistant for what I put it through.

The steel always sharpens great (I keep 'em near shaving sharp) and cuts like a razor. Plus Mr. Eggerling might just be the nicest guy in the knife game (no offence Stan )

Here are a couple pieces made from Eggerling steel...

-Michael

Wow... Those are truly breathtaking knives.

 

[LX_Emergency]

Maarten van Hattem is my current favorite damascus maker.

(pics found through Google. I did not make any of these knives. But he's an amazing maker)

 

[Charlie Mike]

As a maker, Damasteel is my favorite to work with.

 

[LX_Emergency]

That would be my favourite Stainless damascus maker. Stuff sure as hell isn't cheap though.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

You young-uns :shakes head from side to side:

Anyone who was a member of the Montana Mafia. There's used to be a list but these guys were unbelievable in their control and manipulation of pattern welded and mosaic Damascus. Charlie Mike , you should remember those guys Matt, about 10-12 years ago these guys were all over blade and the forums. Here's a short list do who I remember off the top of my head.

Rick Dunkerly
Barry Gallagher
Josh Smith
Shane Tayler
Wade Coulter
Rick Eaton
Ed Caffrey

These guys were cutting edge, experimenting with picture damascus, using EDMA machine to cut out shapes and inlays to be welded and create themed Damascus billets with picture of cartoon characters, flags, skulls all kinds of neat stuff. They pioneered things like explosion Damascus using controlled explosions to weld the steel and create picture Damascus.