Damascus steel is a popular choice for knives. The unique look draws customers in.
However, with so many fakes, it can be hard to tell if you’re buying a real one or not. Luckily, we’ve put together this guide to help you determine if the knife you’re purchasing is real damascus steel or not.
The Material
There are many knives on the market that display beautiful patterns on their blades made of Damascus steel. These attractive blades are popular with buyers because they have a unique look that makes them stand out from other knives.
Knifemakers make Damascus steel by forging alternating layers of iron and nickel into a pattern. This combination of hard and tough elements gives the knife exceptional sharpness, ductility and resistance to chipping.
However, if the blade is not well cared for, it can rust. So, to ensure its longevity, it’s best to regularly wash and oil it with mineral oil.
If you see any rust spots, it’s important to wipe the area and dry it immediately. You can also use a mild surface cleaner to remove any residues that might cause rust, as this will help to prevent rust in the future.
The Pattern
The pattern used to make a knife can tell you a lot about its origins. It can also tell you whether it is real or not.
The patterns can vary from simple to complex depending on the smith. Some Damascus blades have simple, random designs while others have intricate mosaic patterns.
Typically, they have a unique organic pattern that reflects the type of steel used to form it. This is what makes them stand out from other knives.
These patterns are usually created by folding or forging different types of steel together before beating them, twisting them, or manipulating them. The result is a material that combines both flexibility and strength.
This process requires a lot of time, patience, and experience to create the intricate, swirling patterns that are so distinctive to this metal. Sadly, these techniques were lost to the world in the mid 18th century due to the depletion of wootz ores that contain the necessary tungsten and vanadium for the process.
The Shape
The shape of a knife plays an important role in its quality and durability. Manufacturers will carefully select the materials they use for their cutlery to create a blade that balances performance, ease of ownership and price.
Carbon steel is one of the most common metals used for knives. It is tough, holds a sharp edge well and is resistant to corrosion and discolouration.
However, it can be brittle and delicate. Therefore, many modern blades are made from a variety of high-quality steels and alloys to provide the desired properties.
When creating a Damascus blade, the blacksmith will stack or layer multiple types of steel and then forge them together to form a billet. This layered forging method imparts different properties to the metal that can make a blade both flexible and strong.
The Price
There is a lot of money involved in making Damascus steel knives. While the price isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality, it can help you decide whether or not a knife is worth buying.
Knives made of Damascus steel are usually more expensive than other knives, but you can find high-quality knives at affordable prices. However, you need to be sure that the knife you purchase is genuine.
A high-quality Damascus blade is hard and tough. It can resist rust and corrosion, but it’s important to keep it clean. Rust can weaken the structure of the steel and make it less resistant to bending.