Why do some damascus blades seem more smooth than others?

[johnfbkennedyy]

Hi all! So I have been seeing damascus knives for a while now, have bought some for my own, and generally all of those knives have the layers very visible and the layers really pop out, you can even feel the layers with your fingers. Recently I bumped into Alabama Damascus' knives ad Kershaw Damascus (which are both from Alabama damascus), and well in the pictures the surface of the damascus blade seems to be very smooth.

Is there a reason why alabama damascus seems to be very smooth? Maybe its the pictures, or that they aren't etched long enough?

Input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance! I tried to look for a similar thread, found one but really didn't have an answer.

 

[Rich S]

It's mostly a matter of degree of etching: long time, more deeply etched. Also the quality of the damascus; number of layers plays a role.
IMHO, I prefer high number of layers and lighter etch.
Rich

 

[Jsega51]

The degree of finishing prior to and during the etch process plays a role also. Taking a blade through higher grits as you etch gives is a smoother appearance. Some handmade knife makers can make them look like glass. David Lisch comes to mind.

 

[johnfbkennedyy]

Awesome thank you so much for the info

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

I'm no expert, but I'd also think that the steel alloys used to make the damascus play a role. Logically, the bigger the difference in the steels' sensitivity/susceptibility to etching, the more likely it is that there's a distinct difference after the knife is etched.

 

[johnfbkennedyy]

I'm no expert, but I'd also think that the steel alloys used to make the damascus play a role. Logically, the bigger the difference in the steels' sensitivity/susceptibility to etching, the more likely it is that there's a distinct difference after the knife is etched.

Great! Makes sense, thanks!