Henry Rifle Forums

Looking for a bit of input here. I know next to nothing about knives, other than how to use them. I was at a gun show over the weekend, and a guy was there selling all sorts of knives, and a few of them he claimed were Damascus knives, which I have always thought were pretty cool. According to him, they are made by “a guy in Alaska”, and the box says 512 layers. What does this mean? Needless to say he sold me on it. It was rather inexpensive (60 dollars) which I thought was strange as I assume Damascus blades are pretty expensive. Did I get something cool? Or did I overspend on a cheap knife

Watch the show, " Forged in Fire " if you can get it. It appears on HISTHD. You will likely find out anything you want to know.
From what I've seen, Damascus blades use many layers of metal. After forging and hammering they take on a patterned finish.
Harder to make and takes longer. Very nice looking though. I would bet you did good. Most knives have to undertake a lot of abuse to see if they stand up to it given proper forging. I'm no pro by any means. Just what I have learned from watching.
Check it out if you can! I know you'll find it interesting.
If it is Damascus...it will be a patterned finish. Best I can describe, something like CCH.

We need pictures!

Just one example, every blade pattern is one of a kind. Shapes and styles vary as well.

I don't have a Damascus but would be proud to own one!

I'll have some photos up soon, currently out of town. The blade definitely has the patterned finish similar to that in the photo, but it has no makers mark that I can see, and isn't all that heavy, which I assumed they would be. Regardless, its a very cool looking, very sharp knife that will be make a good skinning knife.

JayZuv wrote:I'll have some photos up soon, currently out of town. The blade definitely has the patterned finish similar to that in the photo, but it has no makers mark that I can see, and isn't all that heavy, which I assumed they would be. Regardless, its a very cool looking, very sharp knife that will be make a good skinning knife.

Would not worry about a makers mark at all.
Does not diminish the value, especially to you. Weight is not an issue, just durability of the blade and how well it keeps an edge.
Many different materials can be used for making a Damascus. Please send a pic when you're able. In the mean time...Do try to catch the program! They aren't always doing Damascus, but maybe you will see one that is...

markiver54 wrote:

JayZuv wrote:I'll have some photos up soon, currently out of town. The blade definitely has the patterned finish similar to that in the photo, but it has no makers mark that I can see, and isn't all that heavy, which I assumed they would be. Regardless, its a very cool looking, very sharp knife that will be make a good skinning knife.

Would not worry about a makers mark at all.
Does not diminish the value, especially to you. Weight is not an issue, just durability of the blade and how well it keeps an edge.
Many different materials can be used for making a Damascus. Please send a pic when you're able. In the mean time...Do try to catch the program! They aren't always doing Damascus, but maybe you will see one that is...

Thanks for the info! I have seen an episode or two of the show, Ill have to find the ones where they work with damascus, would be cool to see how it all comes togehter.

Okay I had some photos sent to me. So, here it is!

below is a link to a YouTube video showing the basic process for making Damascus blades .... the suggestion to view a few episodes of Forged In Fire is an excellent one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q72jqba4qe0