Thread: What is so special in Damascus steel???

I havent seen a razor for less than 500.00 ,, it looks awesome but what is so special in it?? do you have a superior shave compared to carbon steel?? or maybe the rarity of the steel?? I dont know,, I would like someone to explain me a little bit

thanks a lot in advance

#1 What makes Damascus steel special is......it's pretty.

It takes more work to fold the metal in layers, then acid etch it to expose the layers. This was done in ancient times as a way of introducing carbon into the iron to make steel.
Done wrong it's no better than plain iron.

There's no difference in the shaves from good carbon or stainless steel, and properly executed Damascus steel.
Or rather Pattern welded would be the more correct term for it.
If you want to read more about it, search out Damascus, pattern welded or wootz steel on wikipedia.
An interesting read.

IT is a largely successful adjective to induce overpriced sales. Except for appearance there is no advantage with Damascus steel which can't be duplicated with modern steels. It has been tested time and again. The danger with Damascus steel lies in the skills of the producer. Lots of inferior metal is sold because it looks better. Only the most skilled craftsmen can obtain the performance of modern steel from Damascus steel. Without a doubt Damascus steel can be produced with breathtaking visual appeal and superior performance.


That shouldn't open a can of worms here there are numerous sites devoted to this ongoing arguement...errrr I mean discussion.

I like the idea off a mysterious method lost to time, which the modern world emulates through pattern welding. I recall reading that blades forged of ancient Damascus steel were molecularly crystalline in nature

Originally Posted by Vektor67

I like the idea off a mysterious method lost to time, which the modern world emulates through pattern welding. I recall reading that blades forged of ancient Damascus steel were molecularly crystalline in nature

This is true, but all iron makes crystals when it cools. It's the structure and the size of the crystals that makes the difference.

If it's the real stuff you pay for the time involved and the hand-crafting and of course the name of the person making the blade. In the end it shaves no better than any other type of razor.

Originally Posted by ledemon

I havent seen a razor for less than 500.00 ,, it looks awesome but what is so special in it?? do you have a superior shave compared to carbon steel?? or maybe the rarity of the steel?? I dont know,, I would like someone to explain me a little bit

thanks a lot in advance

It's better ... because it costs more.

Cheers,

Jack

Yep it's all in the looks. It's been said if it's done right it's fine.... done wrong it's terrible. Get it if you want a really cool looking blade and know the blacksmith is talented and reputable.