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Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

thetruthaboutknives.com

11–20 of 107 posts

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#11

>Unfortunately, the technique for making both Damascus and Wootz steel has been lost to the centuries. >For instance Devin Thomas is a master Damascus steel maker. He forges every billet himself and has the process down to a science. So which one is it?

Just because one technique has been lost doesn't mean there are no others.

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#16
> Unfortunately, the technique for making both Damascus and Wootz steel has been lost to the centuries.

I've watched the artists on Man at Arms Reforged make wootz steel in a kiln from pig iron and wrought iron when recreating a Viking-era sword. It certainly isn't lost.

edit: video here if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EG34YoRHs8

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#17
> When it comes down to it, most of today’s super exotic alloys will outperform any pattern-welded steel ... A well-made Damascus blade will stay sharp for longer than most production quality knives, but if you’re looking for the ends-of-the-earth best performing blade steel, look elsewhere

Can someone link/name one of these super exotic alloys knifes?

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#18

> Unfortunately, the technique for making both Damascus and Wootz steel has been lost to the centuries. I've watched the artists on Man at Arms Reforged make wootz steel in a kiln from pig iron and wrought iron when recreating a Viking-era sword. It certainly isn't lost. edit: video here if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EG34YoRHs8

Nobody knows if the modern approach is the same, even if using historically appropriate tools and materials.

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#19

Damascus steel requires much more time to hone. It holds an edge longer, but I'm not sure it is worth the frustration involved in getting an edge. My favorite straight razors are my vintage ones, mostly because the steel is of lower quality....they take an edge real fast! Damascus steel also makes products very expensive. I tend to lose straight razors and pocket knives, so it doesn't make sense to make such a large…

> Damascus steel requires much more time to hone. It holds an edge longer, but I'm not sure it is worth the frustration involved in getting an edge.

I don't think there is any truth to this. It's one of the myths listed here, and goes into detail: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/07/30/five-myths-about-dama...

Re: Ask a Knifemaker: The Truth About Damascus Steel

#20

> Unfortunately, the technique for making both Damascus and Wootz steel has been lost to the centuries. I've watched the artists on Man at Arms Reforged make wootz steel in a kiln from pig iron and wrought iron when recreating a Viking-era sword. It certainly isn't lost. edit: video here if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EG34YoRHs8

Nobody knows if the modern approach is the same, even if using historically appropriate tools and materials.

But if the result is indistinguishable from old examples, does it matter if the approach is different?
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