Damascus

Food for thought the question now is what to get.

 

How is the Maumasi?

 

And who you want it made by

There's a lot to consider but if you're wanting something custom keep in mind there's 1-2 year plus waiting lists for a lot of makers it seems. A lot of non-custom damascus knives are amazing too though, such as Shig kitaeji's (although they can also be hard to find). It all comes down to personal preference, style, price, wait times, etc. Don't rush into it, take your time and evaluate your needs, wants, cutting style, and general preferences in a knife.

- Steve

 

Consider Damascus strictly for looks in my not so humble opinion. You will get more bang for the buck by NOT buying a Damascus knife.

 

Which is why I am thinking get a Damascus thingaboby for looks and get my chefs in straight carbon.

 

If your damascus is San Mai, where it's just a wrapper on core steel, it is theoretically possible to wear it off, but you aren't likely to do damage sharpening. The damascus doesn't go down all the way to the edge on most of the ones I've seen, so you have some room to work with before you even touch the damascus. I have one San Mai knife where the damascus goes all the way down to the edge, and I've had to do some thinning on it. I've removed and/or polished some of the damascus; it doesn't (to my eye) look damaged. And the knife cuts MUCH better. Some etching might bring back a little more contrast to the metal, but it doesn't need it to look good.

As far as chipping goes, there hasn't really been a problem. Except when I drop a knife in the sink. Or on the floor. Or let my husband use them.

 

Very happy with it. It's a little sticky with potatoes, and the edge retention might not be as good as some, but it cuts like a dream and is really a comfortable knife to use. Haven't had it on the stones yet--just a couple touch ups on a ceramic rod. I LOVE the tip--it's really functional, F&F is great, knife is really nimble. And it's a sexy, sexy knife! I wouldn't mind having more than one. If I win the lottery.

 

Thanks! I think they get more character the more you use them.

 

Damn I love the BB.

As Lucretia I love my damascus knives. Makes me happy to use them

 

Mullets, mullets I tell ya

 

Aw, come on! They're at least up there with sequin tube tops, mini skirts, and platform shoes. Besides, how can you not love these? http://mightylists.blogspot.com/2012/02/15-awesome-mullets.html

 

A different perspective if I may. As a maker, I am sure my thought will be similar to any other maker on the board. I will use the BMW as an example. If I spend $XX,000 on a BMW, you can be damn sure I will use it!! Although I will not use it off road, bouncing over rocks, mud and stumps. It wasn't made to do that. People who buy them, will say, "I wanted something better built than a Ford Escort, that looks better, that I can enjoy not only its performance, but its looks. Yes it will wear, yes you may crack the glass, for sure there will be chips in the paint. But when it gets to that state, I can bring it back to BMW and have it repaired, and give it a new paint job. As for the company, I am sure that they are proud of their creation, and would not like to see it abused, or stored in a garage, but used and enjoyed.

So Damascus knives. Yes they cost more, there is more involved in making them. Better steels, better handle materials, nicer geometry (a matter of personal opinion. Some people like low profile tires, and leather seats, some don't) Is a damascus knife any better than a monosteel? Maybe, maybe not... BMW vs Corvette vs Audi etc. Each has it strong and weak points, but the owner has decided to pay for the options, as in a damascus knife. Its an option.

Damascus. Necessary? No. Should I put it in a show case? If you are a collector? Maybe, why not, you bought it, do what you want with it. Is it fragile? Hell no! Most damascus/pattern welded steel makers, use a blend of steels, that on their own, will make a knife of a quality, better than most store bought knives. The HT is done to bring the best qualities out of the steels. It is painstakingly finished, and etched to show those qualities. They are designed to be used, and used without worry of it folding or breaking. Will it chip? Maybe. Will your BMW's ball joints, transmission, breaks need repair? Take it from a guy who owned a nice 520i, yes they will. Did that stop me from pushing it, driving it harder, hit the curves faster? HELL NO! Thats why I bought the bloody thing, to use it! A BMW looks good, but rest assured, it will perform. So will quality damascus!

No maker here or any where, will be afraid of putting their damascus/pattern welded blades against any thing a mono steel knife would face. The likelihood of a monosteel knife chipping, is no different than damascus. Life happens. Stuff wears, and ages. If your BMW or Ford Escort, needs new tires, or a paint job, so be it. Send it to the shop. If your a home mechanic kinda guy, and wants a custom paint job, or a whale tail, do it! If not ask the shop to do it. But drive the damn thing, thats why it was built! Thats why I make knives. If I was going to put them in a case and look at them, I could make one from aluminum, or pure nickel. Hell it would look awesome! But would have a hard time cutting dog turds! If you buy a damascus knife, and it doesn't perform, same as a car, you either bought it from sheister at a used car lot, or got a lemon. Buy from somewhere you trust, or a dealer, and drive the sh!t out of it! Most dealers have a warranty. I asked about it before I bought my car. Peace of mind knowing if something failed, they would take care of it. Ask what coverage is on the knife. If you don't like patina, quit grumbling and buy stainless damascus. As with cars, you usually pay for upgrades, its up to you if its worth it.

If I could, I would buy an old Humm Vee. A big gas sucking pig, that can go anywhere I dare point it, and push the accelerator. The guy that bought the smart car might shake his head in disgust at the waste of money, and the damage to the ozone, or the field I leave ruts in. Do I need one? No. I want one, and will use it, till it can't go any more.

(Ok, I'm done now )

 

Good analogy Pierre , thank you

 

Thanks Pierre. I think you helped me make my mind.

 

That was very well said Pierre . It's easy to see your level of passion :thumb

- Steve

 

Hi folks i just wanted to add my 2 cents in here I make damascus knives i make bowies and chef knives most of the bowies I make end up never getting used so part of the thrill for me in making kitchen knives is that I know they are getting used, some every day and thats why I started making knives. I make carbon steel damascus and I put a good etch on them it is never going to rub off and I stone sharpen them so there is a thin silver line at the working edge. Like all carbon steel knives it will patina over time but you still see the damascus and it is still beautiful and from time to time you can clean off the patina as mentioned in this post it is important to know how to care for all carbon steel knives.

 

I also make and use damascus knives. I agree with the other makers, use it but don't abuse it. That being said, I abuse my personal knives. I leave them in the sink, or wet overnight, dirty, ect. I do this because I know that it only takes a few seconds with some 1500 grit paper to clean them up again, so I dont sweat it. Every year or so I re polish and etch them to look like new. I well made knife is a pretty resilient tool.