A real Damascus steel knife would have standardized folds and patterns around the blade, cutting point, spine, bolster, and tang. Sometimes, the bolster and butt are polished to enhance the aesthetics of the knife.
Some forged knives use laser or acid etching to imprint the Damascus pattern on some low-quality carbon steel or stainless steel. These manufacturing processes create fake Damascus blades and are considered to be a big no-no by experts.
1. Look at the blade
Damascus steel knives are highly desirable in the knife industry. They have a unique and stunning look, and they are also highly durable.
However, it is important to know that not all Damascus blades are real. In fact, there are many imitations that are available on the market.
The most obvious way to tell a fake damascus steel knife from the real is by looking at the pattern. Genuine Damascus blades have standardized folded patterns that appear on the sides of the knife, blade tang, bolster, and sometimes the butt.
Usually, these patterns are very intricate and detailed. They are designed to resemble natural patterns found in water, such as waves or ripples.
2. Look at the handle
The beauty of Damascus steel knives makes them a top-selling product for knife stores. They are a great fit for knife fans who want the look of a handmade blade without the high price tag.
But it isn’t always easy to tell if a knife has authentic Damascus steel. Fake pattern-welded Damascus steel can look similar to real Damascus.
One of the easiest ways to tell if a knife is fake is by looking at the handle. If the handle is too thin, then it’s most likely not made from Damascus steel.
Another way to tell if a knife is a fake is by examining the blade. A good rule of thumb is that a blade should have patterns that are visible and well done, rather than etched into the surface.
3. Look at the bolster
Damascus steel is one of the most expensive and difficult-to-produce types of knife steel. Therefore, it makes sense for knife manufacturers to use other materials to produce similar-looking knives.
Often, these fake Damascus steel knives are made from forged-welded combinations of different types of metal. However, if you take a closer look at the bolster and spine, you’ll be able to see where each type of metal begins and ends.
This is the best way to tell a fake Damascus steel from real, especially when you’re looking at a knife that’s part of a set. If all the knives in the set have the same pattern, it’s a surefire sign that they aren’t made from Damascus steel.
This is also the best method to use if you want to see if the blade’s etching is truly Damascus. If you polish a small section of the blade, then dip it in acid, and if the pattern reappears, then you know you’re getting the real deal.
4. Look at the tang
There are a number of ways to tell if your Damascus steel knife is fake or real. Some methods take a little work, while others are very straightforward. However, the best way to tell if your blade is authentic is by looking closely at it and learning what to look for.
A genuine Damascus steel knife should have a consistent pattern of folds that cover the entire blade. This includes the sides of the blade, spine, bolster, tang, and butt.
You can also test the authenticity of your Damascus knife by dipping it in an acid solution. The patterns should be visible after the etching process.
Another way to tell if your blade is real or not is by polishing it. If it has been acid etched, you should see the pattern return to the surface after you polish it.