Manufacturing techniques for wear-resistant knives existed thousands of years ago. It would seem that at the current technological stage, the old methods for producing blades can be forgotten and switch to more advanced manufacturing recipes. However, the latest equipment, with all the desire, will not allow to improve the quality of the knife, if you do not use the secrets of metal casting and subsequent forging processing. But damn and damask knives, let out even by a handicraft method, but with the preservation of traditional technological solutions, are exactly what distinguishes them. Moreover, it is the author’s manufacture of a knife that is considered the most attractive both in terms of cutting abilities and aesthetically.
Features damask and damask knives
No wonder the damask and damascus blades occupy the first places in the lists of the most effective in handling. This is facilitated by the unique cutting abilities of these metals and, most importantly, the preservation of the initial sharpening for a long time. In addition, damask knives have high hardness and rigidity, which makes them tolerant of external influences and contributes to a more efficient implementation of the direct cutting function. Such qualities are especially noticeable on the example of hunting models. Depending on the alloy used, resistance to rust processes is also noted. This primarily refers to models made using stainless steel. Thus, in extreme conditions damask knife will be the best solution. However, at home its operational properties will find application.
What is the difference between a damask knife and a damask knife?
Damascus knives and damask blades are often confused. They really have a lot in common and the most important unifying property is the presence of a unique pattern on the surface. In terms of performance, damask knives and damascus also have many common features, but the difference lies in them.
So, the uniqueness of Damascus blades is due to a combination of seemingly contradictory qualities - this is plasticity and high strength. At the same time, damask steel is characterized by the same strength, but complemented by rigidity and hardness. In practice, it is not easy to feel the difference in the indicated properties - usually experienced hunters, fishers and tourists understand it. However, in domestic use, the cutting abilities and durability of such knives come to the surface, for which, however, they are appreciated.
Knife manufacturers
In Russia, the production of damask knives is mainly carried out by private family enterprises. Masters follow proven recipes and make their own flavor, which allows you to get not only high-quality, but also a beautiful damask knife. Manufacturers have a wide geography, as they are located in different parts of the country. For example, the Zlatoust workshop of Baranov is considered one of the famous. The chief blacksmith of the enterprise Sergey Baranov produces inexpensive, but at the same time high-quality models of knives, necessarily made of their own steel. No less famous among connoisseurs of damask and damascus is the workshop of the Arkhangelsk. The family business specializes specifically in the manufacture of blades, engraving and other metal processing operations. This specialization allows you to get high quality products and, again, at affordable prices.
When familiarizing yourself with market offers in this segment, you may come across such a name as a damask knife “pampuha”, in the description of which unique techniques of reflux and sharpening are noted. These are the products of the master Igor Pampuha, known among experts on weapons business. At the same time, the blacksmith is engaged not only in forging, but also performs skillful handles for blades with the author's design.
Manufacturing technology
Each master has his own technique of making blades from Damascus and Damascus steel, but common features are still present. The most popular technology is the welding of several plates from different grades of metal, from which a single piece is formed - "VUZ". As a rule, knives from the manufacturer of damask steel go through several stages of firing and forging - just the number of these procedures is the secret of the craftsmen. Separate cuts are formed from the prepared piece of metal, with which further forging and turning are performed with bringing the primary blade to the optimum state.
Hunting knife
One of the popular types of damask knives, which is widely used among tourists, fishermen and hunters. By the way, sometimes similar models are used even in military operations. Among the features possessed by hunting damask knives are high wear resistance and perfect sharpening. It is to these series that high demands are made regarding corrosion protection. In addition, the hunting knife is equipped with a durable and comfortable handle. Its creation uses rare and hard woods and genuine leather.
If you order an author’s knife in this category, it is better to determine in advance its main purpose, which the manufacturer will focus on. For example, a hunting knife made of damask steel can be chopping or skinning. There are no special differences in operational characteristics between them, but the blade lines and the handle parameters can be adjusted for greater convenience in the process of cutting.
Chef's knife
Damascus blade models designed to solve culinary problems are less common. The fact is that simple operations on cutting vegetables, fruits or bakery products with such a knife can only be performed by a professional who takes into account the particularities of handling this tool. But, again, when cutting carcasses with bones, a knife from Damascus or Damascus steel can handle better than ordinary kitchen counterparts and even axes. Therefore, one instance for such cases will still be useful to have in any kitchen.
Folding knives
In the manufacture of folding models, the emphasis is on convenience in transportation and transport. The characteristics of the blade in this design are fully consistent with the operational qualities that are endowed with standard knives. Damask folding knife has a general design, which allows you to hide the blade in the niche of the handle. Unfortunately, such models have one serious drawback - they lose to ordinary damask knives in reliability. This is due to the fact that the overall design is complicated due to the folding mechanism, and, as you know, the simpler the device, the more reliable the product itself.
Damask and damask knife reviews
Basically, damask knives are evaluated according to the following criteria: wear resistance, cut quality, assembly reliability and external beauty. Actually, for all four characteristics, a correctly executed product will not cause any complaints. But there are also flaws characteristic of damask and damascus. In particular, the hardness and rigidity endowed with damask knives often causes problems in sharpening them. Reviews indicate that to perform such operations you have to turn to the help of specialists, since at home it is impossible to complete this task. Another thing is that blunting such blades is very difficult. According to many users, even cutting bones and wood only slightly affects the quality of sharpening. Another point that can upset the user who bought a damask knife is the tendency to corrosion. Therefore, you should initially make sure that the model is able to contact water and alkalis without harm.
Price issue
The damask knife price is influenced by many aspects. First of all, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the blade itself. If you use the option with small sizes and without engraving, then its price will be 4-5 thousand rubles. Optimal versions suggest the presence of a medium-sized blade with a complete list of the classic operational properties of damask steel, which is equipped with a simple but reliable handle without frills. This, for example, is a standard damask knife "pampuha", which can be purchased already for 7-8 thousand rubles.
The most expensive models belong to the hunting and gift categories. In the first case, the cost increases due to an increase in the technical properties of the metal at the manufacturing stage. In addition, hunting patterns are larger than regular knives. The price of such a product usually exceeds 10 thousand rubles. In the case of gift items, the price maximum is not at all limited, since the design may imply the presence of elements from expensive wood, precious stones and complex engraving. Such exclusive products can be valued at tens of thousands of rubles.
Conclusion
Quite a rare occurrence when the technology of ancient crafts is used today almost in its original form. Modern blacksmiths derive knowledge not from instructions and manuals of the metallurgical industry, but from the advice of experienced craftsmen. This allows them to produce damask knives of unsurpassed quality, which is an order of magnitude higher than most factory models. This can also explain the popularity of private workshops, which in their work do not focus on mass production on machines, but on the maximum disclosure of the secrets of forging and casting in their works. Of course, some technological advances are observed in the industry - more efficient and effective furnaces, kilns and related forging equipment are used. But the very spirit of making unique damask and damask blades remains the same. It is characterized by the author's handwriting and respect for every nuance of the production process.