Why You Should Have A Damascus Knife In Your Kitchen

Damascus Knife: The Complete Guide

With its historical reputation as the metal used for the best swords over hundreds of years and its distinctive wavy design, Damascus steel is a beauty to behold. Sharp, strong and reliable is the reputation built for these knives and can be recognized by the wavy, beautiful pattern found on the surface of the steel blade. 

Continue reading this article to know more details about this solid steel and find answers to the most commonly asked questions about kitchen knives made from Damascus steel.

1. What Is A Damascus Knife?

Chef’s Knife 8″ | Army Green Handle | Shogun Series X

Damascus steel is an easily recognizable type of steel that gets a distinct look from its wavy patterned design. While this steel is known for its sleek look and beautiful aesthetics, Damascus steel is highly valued because it is hard and flexible while maintaining a sharp edge. 

Damascus steel, as a blade material, originated in the European and Asian sword smithery. Early on they realized that forging and folding at least two different types of steel results in a better, more durable steel quality. The distinct pattern on the steel blade knife also gives this steel a special look, making it stand apart.

These knives have always fascinated people and continue to do so to this day thanks to their quality and functionality for a variety of tasks. 

This sturdy steel is made with a wavy surface pattern that is produced by hammer-wielding the strips of steel and iron followed by repeated forging and heating. Back in the day, this steel was used chiefly for knives and sword blades but today pocket knives, butterfly knives, fixed blade knives, and swords are made in Damascus steel.

Although Damascus knives date back to ancient civilizations, today the method has been modified a bit. Modern Damascus knives are either forged-welded with different types of steel or with one kind of steel that’s folded and refolded. 

Both these methods create a unique pattern that’s unlike any other knife blade. You can also find a Damascus knife in just about every style and for any purpose. From hunting to chef’s knives for your kitchen, Damascus steel can be used in so many different ways.

2. How Damascus Steel Got Its Name

The origin of the name “Damascus Steel” is somewhat of a legend. Some say that two Islamic scholars, Al-Kindi and Al-Biruni (from circa 800-873 CE) wrote about swords and steels based on the appearance, geographical location of where they were produced or forged, and the name of the blacksmith that crafted it. In both their writings the word ‘damascene’ or ‘Damascus’ were used when describing the swords to some extent. 

But these aren’t the only stories that revolve around the origin of Damascus knives. 

Over a thousand years ago, the local blacksmiths in the city of Damascus were regarded as the finest in the world owing to their unique techniques of steel fabrication. According to them, this method produced the most beautiful and strong swords in the world. 

Their unique process involved heating and folding the steel many times, over and over again, to make the blade stronger and more ductile. As a result of this beating and hammering technique, a unique look was produced. The blade knives had an intricate swirl pattern that looked like waves crashing over a beach. 

Not only were these blade knives exceptionally appealing to look at, but their performance was said to be truly spectacular. It was also rumored that these ‘Damascus’ swords were able to hold a keen edge for an unreasonably long time and were much less prone to chipping and damage. 

While the reports of steel quality over 900AD are spotty, it is believed that most steel products produced then were more durable than hard plastic. Plate armor wasn’t a viable option until nearly the 14th century, so at that time, Damascus steel must have been viewed as an incredible innovation. 

The most common and sensible explanation, however, is that the steel is named after the capital of Syria, Damascus, the largest of the cities in the ancient Levant. It has never been confirmed but it can either refer to swords made or sold in Damascus directly or it may just refer to the aspect of the pattern on the blade, by comparison with Damask fabrics which were also named for Damascus.

3. How Damascus Knives Are Made

Chef’s Knife 7″ | Shogun Series

Over the years, the original Damascus Steel making process has seen a lot of changes. Modern Damascus steel is made by either forge-welding different types of steel together before beating, twisting, and manipulating the metal or by flattening out and then folding a single type of steel to produce layers in the metal. Both these techniques result in the organic pattern that is typical of Damascus knives.

Even though the techniques used today are primarily for aesthetic reasons, the folding and refolding process does have the benefit of evening out any impurities in the metal. More advanced techniques like acid etching can also be used to emphasize the unique pattern created by the process.  

If you go to compare, you’ll find that ancient Damascus steel is entirely different from modern Damascus steel. The exact knowledge and technique used to produce this kind of steel are now lost in history. 

Ancient Damascus steel was most popularly known for its strength and durability. It was produced in areas of the Near East using a type of steel originally found in India, called Wootz steel. This kind of steel is characterized by levels of carbon compounds known as ‘carbides’, which run through the steel. On analyzing ancient Damascus steel blades, we see that certain impurities added during the production process added strength to the metal and made it more flexible and durable.  

4. What To Look For When Shopping For A Damascus Knife

Extra-Long Slicing & Carving Knife 14″ | Shogun Series

Among the wide range of gourmet specialist blades available, the only one loved by culinary experts is a knife made with strong and durable Damascus steel.

Here’s a list of some things to keep in mind when shopping for a Damascus knife for your kitchen: 

Sturdiness

Damascus steel knives are most popularly known for their extraordinary hardness. More hardness implied less effort on the blade’s edge, making it last for a longer time. 

Execution

In the blade world, execution boils down to how well and to what extent can the steel blade ideally cut nourishment. That means that a blade’s only as good as its hardness. Hard metal knives, made with Damascus steel, hold their unique edge far longer than milder metal knives. Damascus steel cutting edges normally sport a smaller edge, making it cut through meat more effectively.

Financial Limit

Overall, Damascus knives are more costly than ordinary kitchen knives. So when you look for a Damascus steel knife be ready to spend a little extra from your pocket, but be rest assured that these knives are a great investment for any chef, home, or professional.  

5. How To Care For Damascus Steel

Nakiri Vegetable Knife 6″ | Shogun Series X

A Damascus steel knife that has been carefully crafted over hundreds of hours deserves the utmost attention and care. A legacy masterpiece requires safeguarding for maximum longevity. Damascus steel requires special care for it to retain its original luster and beauty. 

You must keep in mind that many hand-forged Damascus blades are made out of high carbon steel with amounts of chromium in the alloy. With such steel, the blade can easily rust if not looked after properly. Collectors should ensure to keep their blades clean and avoid rust or staining. 

After cleaning a Damascus steel knife, you should lubricate the blade with a specialty wax to protect it from moisture. Keeping the blade away from rust ensures that the steel’s pattern remains as striking and vivid as the day it was hand-forged. 

Other elements such as textiles and chemicals can also affect the blade’s look. Using a rough cloth or metal cleaner can remove the etched oxidation that makes the blade’s pattern visible. 

Being mindful of the storage conditions is also very crucial to a blade’s longevity. When it’s not being used, make sure to store your Damascus steel knife in a dry interior environment, free from fluctuating moisture levels and temperature. A box or a soft case is a must to store these knives.

6. How To Spot A Fake Damascus Knife

Now that we know the details about what a Damascus knife is and how it is made, it is easier to identify a real Damascus steel knife from a fake one.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the ways you can spot this:

Look at the pattern.

This is the fastest way to spot a fake Damascus knife. Because of how these knives are forged and produced there is no way to produce two knives with completely identical patterns. So if all kitchen knives in a set have the same pattern, with the same features, they are not made from real Damascus steel.

If you’re buying an individual knife, you can still spot a fake by looking at the pattern. It’s weird shaped, looks manufactured, or looks unnatural, even like someone has drawn the pattern, then it is fake.

With time you will develop a feel for this. Fake Damascus steel usually has a high contrast between light and dark spots, and the lines between them are usually very sharp and clean, not blurred like they are in real Damascus steel.

Check for change in geometry.

Earlier, we spoke about how a true Damascus pattern is present throughout the piece, not just on the surface. So, if we see a Damascus pattern on the spine of a knife, on the handle, or in hard-to-reach places, and this pattern is consistent through the knife, this is most likely true Damascus steel.

But if these surfaces do not have a Damascus pattern, it might indeed be a case of Damascus pattern imitation. The reason behind the lack of Damascus pattern could also be that these surfaces were not etched at all or polished to a mirror-like finish or they were etched and subsequently polished, but not fine enough – sanding or not fine enough polishing removes the Damascus pattern.

Knife manufacturers use more exotic materials to produce knives. They also combine Damascus steel with other materials to produce tough knives. Such knives can have a very hardcore and consequently a cutting edge, while at the same time having a super tough material around the core. That means that the knife will remain sharp for a long time.

Now you ask, so what does this have to do with determining whether a knife is made from real Damascus steel or merely an imitation? Given that these knives are made from mixed materials, the knife may lack the Damascus pattern. The pattern is only visible when the thickness increases. This way we can see where the core ends and Damascus steel begins. 

7. Differences Between Damascus Knives vs. Carbon Steel Knives

8” Chef Knife | Shogun Series X | Dalstrong ©

8. Differences Between Damascus Steel Knives vs. Stainless Steel Knives

4.5” Mini Cleaver | Shogun Series | Dalstrong ©

9. Damascus Knife Recommendations

Other than reliable and durable cookware, an apron, and a sturdy cutting board, every kitchen needs a strong and sharp Damascus steel knife. 

Looking to invest in a Damascus knife for your kitchen? While there are tons of options out there, some stand out more than others. These knives are made with a special technique that results in a unique and one-of-its-kind wavy, mottled pattern running across the blade knife. 

You can find a Damascus steel knife in just about every style and for any purpose, which can make picking the right one slightly confusing.