Damascus blades

[slabuda]

I have always liked Damascus blades but have always wondered about their longevity in real world use. I dont want to buy a knife just to look at I want to use it as well.

How do they hold up? Specifically for hunting knifes? What dies sharpening do to the look of the edge? What is the best way to sharpen them, pull through, lansky, wet stone? And how well do they take and edged and hold it?

I am looking for something like this, not this specifically but just based on looks.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/180DM

Or the ones on post #13 and #16

I cant afford loads to spend on them so money is an issue. And dont need a "limited" edition either.

Any suggestions of knifes along these lines?

 

[JVoutilainen]

There is no straight forward answer for your question, since various materials are being used in damascus blades. Some of them are absolutely useless for cutting wood, or any other hard materials, because they contain a lot of nickel. In other words, some damascus blades are basically fancy (and expensive) toys that are only meant to be displayed and never used, some are not. You better make sure that you get one that is really meant for every day use.

I use a carbon steel damascus blade at work frequently and I love it. Great edge retention, easy to sharpen and cuts wood very very efficiently. However, this is because the blade is custom made and designed for woodworking.

Furthermore, those lovely patterns that have been etched visible are going to start disappearing as soon as you sharpen the blade - unless you only sharpen the secondary bevel of the blade. Yes, you can re-etch the blade arter you have sharpened it, but the trade-off is losing some sharpness. You can avoid this problem by covering the secondary bevel with cheese wax, for example.

 

[hso]

Properly made and heat treated pattern welded steel ("damascus") will perform as well as any properly heat treated steel.

OTOH, if you want a field/hunting knife you will spend less for a good single-steel blade for the same performance. You do pay more for the attractive pattern.

 

[Snowdog]

Years ago (80's perhaps), I heard from a knife guru buddy of mine that damascus blades were prone to rust if not kept oiled. That advice alone kept me away from damascus blades.
However, I've been using a D2 blade (910 Benchmade) for a couple years now that I've never had corrosion issues with, despite being warned they'll rust like nobody's business. I suppose commonsense maintenance does away with most of these concerns.

 

[7X57chilmau]

I carry non-stainless non-damascus blades every day. Rust simply isn't an issue until you find yourself outside, soaking wet for about 3 days on end. I live 200yds from the ocean. I don't keep my blades oiled, I use them. A variety of 5160, 1095, 1084 style steels.

The only time I have trouble with rusting is when I leave my kitchen knives (same steels) in the bottom of the sink overnight. I've learned not to do that.

If a bright polish isn't important to you, you can clean up the corrosion with a kitchen scrubbing pad and hot water. If a bright polish is important to you, non stainless blades may not be for you.

J

 

[scythefwd]

I don't have a fixed blade damascus knife, but I do have a Case XX damascus knife. It holds its edge very well. I haven't had any problems with corrosion, and it is easy to sharpen. I just (be prepared to cringe) use 220 grit or higher emery paper wrapped around a paint stir to sharpen with. 5-10 minutes on the blade and I can shave with it.

 

[7X57chilmau]

SCYTHEFWD,

The sharpening method you're using is similar to one called "scary sharp" that's been circulating on the nets for some years. Traditionally, they use wet/dry sandpaper on a thick piece of glass (good hard flat surface). You may one day wish to try cleaning up your 220 grit edge by following up with 400, 600, 1000, 1500 grits.

It is a good quick way to sharpen knives, though I prefer to use real stones myself.

J

 

[scythefwd]

7x57chilmau - hence the "or higher" in my post. I use the highest grit I have on hand, which is always at least 220.

 

[7X57chilmau]

Ah, missed that.

 

[slabuda]

I have a Buck fixed blade right now. Its cheap and cheerful nothing fancy but it will work just fine. I would just like something a bit different. But if by uising/sharpening it gets rid of the look of the folded steel I may pass.

JVoutilainen
What do you mean by "secondary bevel" do you mean the folded steel? I usually stay away from that on all my knives and only sharpen the "working" edge.

 

[SeekHer]

Want quality Damascus blades then try Rob Charlton of DamascusUSA (link is down)...Excellent knives, even makes a Marine Corps fighting knife version--just lovely!

 

[hso]

Some folks set a primary and secondary bevel while others just flat grind from the spine to the edge. Other's may hollow grind and set a bevel to the edge.

 

[JTW Jr.]

Chad Nichols make some stunning damascus , in high carbon and also stainless.