Damascus knives

[JayZuv]

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

[markiver54]

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.

[Ojaileveraction]

We need pictures!

[markiver54]

51041925-fragment-of-the-traditional-handmade-finnish-knife-blade-with-the-abstract-wave-pattern-of-damascus-.jpg

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

[markiver54]

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

[JayZuv]

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.

[markiver54]

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...

[JayZuv]

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.

[JayZuv]

IMG_2138.JPG

IMG_2137.JPG

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

[JEBar]

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

[JayZuv]

Thanks for the link, Ill check it out

[markiver54]

Looks like Ya done good...beautiful knife, congrats!

[clovishound]

My understanding is that Damascus steel helps with the hardness vs brittleness issue with knife steel. The harder the blade, the longer the edge lasts. Unfortunately, it also makes it more brittle. The Damascus steel, being layers of two or more alloys, allows you to have layers of harder than normal steel, which give the desired durability of the edge, the softer layers in between will help to keep the harder layers from fracturing.

I also understand that modern alloys and heat treatment techniques make the advantages of Damascus moot. This assumes you have the advanced alloys and heat treatment vs more pedestrian steel.

The pattern comes from chemical etching which etches differently between the different alloys.

[Ojaileveraction]

I have been fascinated by "Damascus Steel" since I read about it in my Golden Encyclopedia.
The point here is it was a form of steel in a world were only Iron existed.
A billet of good grade iron was heated in the forge and the hammed out. The folded over and forge welded and hammerd out again and again.
During the forge welding and hammering carbon is trapped innthe surface of the iron.
300-400 layers with of Carbon Steel.
The industrial out of weapon like this happen in three cultures.
Japan, Damascus Syria, and the Vikings.
The Viking used rods of iron twisted and hammer forged welded them into swords.

Tim

[markiver54]

My understanding is that Damascus steel helps with the hardness vs brittleness issue with knife steel. The harder the blade, the longer the edge lasts. Unfortunately, it also makes it more brittle. The Damascus steel, being layers of two or more alloys, allows you to have layers of harder than normal steel, which give the desired durability of the edge, the softer layers in between will help to keep the harder layers from fracturing.

I also understand that modern alloys and heat treatment techniques make the advantages of Damascus moot. This assumes you have the advanced alloys and heat treatment vs more pedestrian steel.

The pattern comes from chemical etching which etches differently between the different alloys.

"Moot" ? = a bit of skepticism. Only performance can discern whether that is the case or not. If he got his knife from an experienced forger from Alaska, I personally would be optimistic!

[clovishound]

What I meant was that some of the better modern alloys and treatments may rival the qualities of Damascus steel knives.

This is my understanding. I am certainly not an expert on knife steel. Just have done some research, and I have some experience in dealing with woodworking hand tools with a couple different alloys.

Like so many other things there is a lot of differing opinions on what makes a good knife alloy. There are a lot of trade offs between differing steels, and some folks lean heavier to some qualities vs others. One thing almost everyone agrees on is the fact that Damascus steel knives look really cool.

[JayZuv]

I think the cool factor is what sold me above all else for sure. Quality/Durability likely won't be known until i put it to work, and ill update on that when I do. If anything, I always have my trusty Ka-bar, which I'm a bit partial to as they're made in my home town. If you've never used one, I highly recommend!

[markiver54]

What I meant was that some of the better modern alloys and treatments may rival the qualities of Damascus steel knives.

This is my understanding. I am certainly not an expert on knife steel. Just have done some research, and I have some experience in dealing with woodworking hand tools with a couple different alloys.

Like so many other things there is a lot of differing opinions on what makes a good knife alloy. There are a lot of trade offs between differing steels, and some folks lean heavier to some qualities vs others. One thing almost everyone agrees on is the fact that Damascus steel knives look really cool.

Agreed clovis, and " Good " Damascus can stand with the the rest. I guess that's where material, experience and excellent forging come in to consideration, along with looking really cool!