Part 1 - Damascus Knives and Their History!

The History

The reputation and flair of Damascus knives stretches back over 17 centuries to the legends of the Damascus blades cutting through a rifle barrel and slicing a strand of hair in two. The modern technique of creating Damascus steel involves forging together multiple layers of steel to create a strong and remarkable blade. Damascus swords and knives dominated the weapon industry from the Iron Age to the Viking age.

Viking Medieval Weapons

Alexander the Great was said to have had a Damascus sword, and even Aristotle commented on the high quality of the Damascus steel blade. In India, it was called Telangana, Wootz or Ukku steel. It then found its way to Damascus, Syria, which was the center of trade in that region for war equipment such as knives, swords and armor.

However, Damascus steel had been a lost technology from the early 1700's up until World War II. Since the mid 1970's, it has once again become popular among collectors.

The Process

Pattern welding involves taking multiple layers of metal, folding them together, and bonding them by forge welding. The more intricate patterns are often layers of Damascus steel that have been twisted or deformed in some way, cut and stacked in a manner that, when welded together, gives a very unique pattern to the finished blade.
What this does, is give you a nice blade that is both hard and flexible.

The Result

After the blade of the Damascus knives are shaped, they are placed back into the furnace until it reaches a temperature of 1500 degrees. The blade is then removed and quenched in oil. Following this process the blade is tempered so it is heated back to 425 degrees for about 2 hours. After it cools, it is sanded with fine sandpaper and sharpened.

Damascus Steel and Artistic Handle with Eagle Head

The knife makers use a mix of acid and water to eat away the softer metal revealing the Damascus steel look and feel. The process also does the etching in the blade. In cutlery, steel made this way is considered a first class material which is then used to make heavily carboned stainless Damask. It is during the forging process, with the different stretching and folding, that the various gorgeous designs can be obtained. All this craftsmanship creates that awesome Damascus steel look that we all want to have in our collection.

Japanese Handmade Knives

Besides the undeniable mechanical qualities of Damask blades, we must insist upon their esthetic character! You will want to own one of these steel items, if not for the durability, then certainly for the beauty and the history. You will stare at them for hours at a time. Here at Lavky.com you can find a few great examples of Damascus Steel! In Part 2 I'll talk about how to preserve and care for your knives. Stay tuned!