JTW Jr.
Member
I have this same thread going on a knife forum , but rather than clutter up everyone else's threads here ( as someone seems to keep posting the same BAD info over and over ) , I figured a separate thread to discuss is a better idea.
I have never heard any of the damascus makers make an absurd claim that their damascus will out perform any other steel. Damascus is not made to out perform steels like CPM154 , S30v , etc , at best you can hope to equal the performance of a single steel. Now if a damascus maker can equal a single steel and make it look spectacular , well that is where the market really pays attention. Many of these guys can do that every single time , makers like Devin Thomas , Mike Norris , Todd Fischer , Chad Nichols , Mike & Audra Draper ,
It does however take great understanding of the materials , temps involved , forging processes that would make some ISO9000 companies cringe , and incredible control to nail those wild patterns (that we all love ) time after time. The guys that do it well are at the top of their game for a reason , they put in their time , put in their research and know what the steels can or can't do.
But a true performance advantage in damascus ? If someone believes this to be the case , lets see the data to back it up ( hard data - facts - links - cutting tests , etc ). I don't recall hearing any damascus blades winning any cutting competitions.
Quality damascus will cost you upwards of $12 per inch ( in 1/8" thickness ) with 3/16 starting around $17-$20. Majority of the damascus you see on ebay is terrible and is not what you see used in custom knives. The more unique the pattern , and the more consistent the pattern , the more you can expect to pay , example , random pattern vs. raindrop or vines & roses.
So , lets hear your thoughts ( and facts ) , on why you think damascus can outperform a single steel ?
Someone I consider a very talented Damascus maker , Todd , said :
As such it also does not require any special mystery sharpening technique.
I have never heard any of the damascus makers make an absurd claim that their damascus will out perform any other steel. Damascus is not made to out perform steels like CPM154 , S30v , etc , at best you can hope to equal the performance of a single steel. Now if a damascus maker can equal a single steel and make it look spectacular , well that is where the market really pays attention. Many of these guys can do that every single time , makers like Devin Thomas , Mike Norris , Todd Fischer , Chad Nichols , Mike & Audra Draper ,
It does however take great understanding of the materials , temps involved , forging processes that would make some ISO9000 companies cringe , and incredible control to nail those wild patterns (that we all love ) time after time. The guys that do it well are at the top of their game for a reason , they put in their time , put in their research and know what the steels can or can't do.
But a true performance advantage in damascus ? If someone believes this to be the case , lets see the data to back it up ( hard data - facts - links - cutting tests , etc ). I don't recall hearing any damascus blades winning any cutting competitions.
Quality damascus will cost you upwards of $12 per inch ( in 1/8" thickness ) with 3/16 starting around $17-$20. Majority of the damascus you see on ebay is terrible and is not what you see used in custom knives. The more unique the pattern , and the more consistent the pattern , the more you can expect to pay , example , random pattern vs. raindrop or vines & roses.
So , lets hear your thoughts ( and facts ) , on why you think damascus can outperform a single steel ?
Someone I consider a very talented Damascus maker , Todd , said :
Damascus is only as good as it's elements. Everything that goes into a billet should be steel that would make a fine blade on it's own. No secret, after a few folds, with uninhibited carbon migration, your Damascus billet is basically a homogeneous piece of steel and that's exactly what it acts like.
As such it also does not require any special mystery sharpening technique.