Damascus steel kitchen knives

[55palfers]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CUSTOM-DAMASCUS-KITCHEN-BO...

In the market for a new kitchen knife and came across this on Amazon.
The customer reviews seem to be positive but a bit of me reckons it's a bit too cheap to be the "real" thing, maybe laser etched?

Anyone bought one at all please? Thoughts?

[calibrax]

The pattern is exactly the same on both sides of the blade, so it must be a regular knife that's been laser etched.

[Tanguero]

As calibrax says. And at about a quarter of the price of even a basic Damascus knife from a reputable maker. If it's too good to be true...

Edited by Tanguero on Sunday 24th January 17:27

[NordicCrankShaft]

As above. Proper Damascus steel is very expensive and even more so if it's custom made.

[55palfers]

Thanks chaps, thought as much.

How do they get away with calling the knives "Damascus" I wonder

[calibrax]

Damascus is not a protected name. So anyone can use it.

[tog]

Here's one that's more pricy.

http://www.blenheimforge.co.uk/knives-shop/gyuto-1

Has anyone experience of Blenheim Forge? Hand made in Peckham. I'm thinking of one of their other knives as a gift for someone.

[Adamski69]

The description reads like a google translate.... hang on a minute...

best left that one I think.

[Foliage]

Damascus steel doesn't exist. The 'recipe' for it has never been discovered,

The steel you gentlemen are referring to is pattern welding, and it gives a lovely unique design and a rather nice cutting edge, but I wouldn't consider it any better than any decent high carbon knife steel (440c or better).

Personally ive been trying out cheap branded ceramic blades in the kitchen, due to the sharpness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and ease of handling. Ive been rather impressed so far.

Really cheap but custom made Chinese 'damascus' steel blades are made from scrap ship/bridge steel cables, which is likely the case with the knife the OP linked (the pattern on both sides being the same likely being from the reuse and reversal of the same picture)

Edited by Foliage on Monday 25th January 11:32

[CardinalFang]

tog said:

Here's one that's more pricy.

http://www.blenheimforge.co.uk/knives-shop/gyuto-1

Has anyone experience of Blenheim Forge? Hand made in Peckham. I'm thinking of one of their other knives as a gift for someone.

Me! Mrs Fang bought me one of theirs for christmas: a "Petty". A lovely thing. I was a confirmed Global fan, as I like their light weight & if I'm honest, the looks: clean, 21st century, minimalist etc. The Blenheim feels beautifully made, has good balance, is also light, has a hell of an edge on it but is a real contrast. it looks "rustic". The blade has patina, texture - a real hand made, unique look. I really like the contrast with the Globals - it sits in one of their blocks alongside the others. One point though - it needs to be dried thoroughly & not left to dry. maybe a schoolboy error on my part, but if I leave the globals on the draining board, no problem. The Blenheim rusted/oxidised overnight & needed mild steel wool which left marks. A bit of a bummer at the time, but it adds to the character.

I'll definitely be getting a couple of others when budget allows & want to go & visit the forge next time I'm in London. BTW, I hear good things about Blok - my BIL has one on order, but the waiting list seems to be long.

Hope that helps.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

calibrax said:

Damascus is not a protected name. So anyone can use it.

You cannot be Syrias.

[dudleybloke]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

You cannot be Syrias.

Wootz joke ever!