Why does it take so long?

[BBQ BOY]

To have a knife made with Damascus? Iv'e had Damascus made from custom makers before who were a one man operation only take 2 weeks. Is Devin Thomas in such high demand it takes a year or so to coat the blade?

 

[Ken C.]

Is Devin Thomas in such high demand it takes a year or so to coat the blade?

What do you mean by "coat the blade"? I hope your joking.

And yes, he is in high demand. if you ever forged damascus or have seen it done you'll know that it is not an easy process.

 

[BBQ BOY]

What do you mean by "coat the blade"? I hope your joking.

And yes, he is in high demand. if you ever forged damascus or have seen it done you'll know that it is not an easy process.

I know nothing of Damascus nor how it is made but I do know they are beautiful. And o I am not kidding because I just don't know. So educate me on the process.

 

[Ken C.]

Damascus blades are not "coated". The blades are forged from 2 different steels and twisted and folded to create different patterns. This process is long and laborious.

http://www.devinthomas.com/

[youtube]VMhNNpjE0[/youtube]

 

[marthinus]

Here is a start:

http://fenrisforge.com/How to make Damascus.htm

DT Damascus is in high demand. A key maker in South Africa is Bertie Rietveld. CRK also uses some of his damuscus. He was credited for making the quality of damascus measurable in South Africa with Kevin Harvey of Heaven forge amongst others. Getting together once a month to discuss what should quality damascus consist of etc. Here is a picture of his work:

At the end, quality, time and pattern all have an affect on the time it takes to make.

 

[Mr. Clean]

Devin Thomas is in huge demand, not only for folders and hunting type knives, but kitchen knives too. He's really blown up, and deserves every part of it. AMazing work, worth the wait.

 

[BBQ BOY]

I'm still not certain how they make the patterns. Is there a video that shows the whole Process?

 

[marthinus]

I'm still not certain how they make the patterns. Is there a video that shows the whole Process?

Youtube is your friend. Search for: Making Damascus blade

 

[JNewell]

I'm still not certain how they make the patterns. Is there a video that shows the whole Process?

Think a little bit like laminated wood (alternating layers of different wood or different colors). Damascus steel is a little like that. The grind reveals the different layers after some oxidizing treatment. <- This is highly non-technical, check the web links for detailed info