Choosing Steel for a Damascus Blade

A key element in the process, many makers choose between 2-5 alloys that work together nicely and make for a beautiful pattern. Once the knife is forged and ground to shape, the waves of steel allow meet at the edge and you can alter the blade’s performance by tweaking the alloy and its heat treat process.

Ultimately, most of today’s super exotic alloys will outperform any pattern-welded steel. Possessing and utilising a Damascus steel blade is more about personal style and respect for the time and process to develop such a blade.

A well-made Damascus blade will retain its sharpness for longer than most production quality blades, but if the goal is to use the best performing blade steel, you may find it elsewhere.

In saying that, quality is largely determined by how much it costs. True ‘name brand’ Damascus steel is of the highest quality. Knives made from these steels make for fantastic knives. 

If you are looking to buy a Damascus steel blade of true quality, do your research and treat it as an investment.