Growing in popularity year upon year, Damascus steel is instantly recognizable from the wavy pattern of the metal. It is a highly sought after steel when it comes to kitchen implements due to its flexible and hard makeup. These characteristics used to make it a very effective steel for sword blades, and in historic times these blades were renowned for their incredible sharpness and durability.
Today, this impressive looking steel is most likely to be observed on a kitchen knife stand, in the form of the blade of a Santoku, Chef, Utility, Paring or other knife product.
So, how strong is Damascus?
Damascus steel is certainly not the strongest metal that you can get your hands on. Today, there are a few metal alloys that are ridiculously strong and are ideal for use when applied to an object that needs to withstand the most extreme conditions.
But for an object like a kitchen knife, Damascus steel is highly advantageous.
The reason that Damascus steel is so effective when used in the manufacture of knives is that the combination of metal creates small serrations of the edge of your blades that helps make them razor sharp. It also helps with durability, thus ensuring that your knives will stay sharper for longer.
How does Damascus steel compare to regular steel?
Comparisons to other types of steel are hard to measure. This is largely because each type of steel possesses different properties that make it ideal (or less than ideal) in different environments. It all comes down to what the steel is going to be used for. In the case of Damascus it is a perfect type of steel when shaped into a knife blade given its durable and flexible nature. One thing is for sure, a Damascus steel product is sure to look much better than one made from regular steel!
Is all Damascus steel the same?
Not exactly. Like with most steel products, the quality of the Damascus product you are purchasing is largely dependent on the quality of the materials used. An impressive Damascus steel product will have been manufactured with great attention to detail and with care. It will also have been made from only the highest of quality materials and this careful process will ensure that there are no flaws in the final product. So what factors do you need to consider when purchasing your Damascus knife?
What to consider when considering a knife made from Damascus steel?
There are a few key aspects during the purchasing phase that you need to think about when deciding to purchase a knife made from Damascus steel. These factors will help you to purchase a Damascus knife of the highest standard, and avoid one made with little care and quality.
Decision 1 - What will you be using it for?
The purpose of purchase is largely going to dictate whether a Damascus knife is right for you. If you are looking for a knife that is going to be used for heavy duty tasks then it's probably best to select a steel option like Carbon due to its rigorous nature. Likewise, if you are looking for a knife for camping adventures then a stainless steel blade may be a better choice due to the conditions it will be exposed to and the lightweight nature it possesses.
However, if you are looking for a kitchen knife then a blade made from Damascus steel is going to serve you well. This is thanks to the combination of durability and flexibility that a Damascus kitchen knife possesses and makes it the ideal choice for the kitchen.
Decision 2 - How much are you willing to spend?
When it comes to knife purchases, you truly get what you pay for. A knife made from a low quality steel is generally going to be cheaper. This knife may seem appealing given the low cost but keep in mind that you’ll likely need to replace it sooner than you would a high-quality purchase. Think of it as an investment. You may pay more at the outset for a high-quality Damascus steel knife, but thanks to its durable nature it is likely to last a lot longer if cared for properly. Additionally, many knife sellers will offer quality guarantees so that you can rest assured that the purchase decision is a smart one.
Decision 3 - Is the aesthetic important?
For some the look of the knife is not an important part of the purchase decision. If the knife can perform the task then it doesn’t matter if it's pretty, ordinary, or ugly. However for many, especially those that spend a lot of time in the kitchen or have had a kitchen remodel, the attractiveness of the knife is paramount. Especially if it will be on display. This is where Damascus steel knives often win out and it is due to the spectacular wave like patterns featured along the surface of the blade. It is precisely this visual appeal that has helped make the Damascus steel knife such a popular gift and a welcomed kitchen addition.