Damascus Knives: Advantages and Unique Characteristics
To many sportsmen, a trusty knife is the most vital and cherished tool in their equipment outfit. A good hunting knife needs to be strong, durable, weather-resistant, and be able to hold a sharp edge under a lot of use and abuse. Avid outdoorsmen often choose to invest in a hunting knife that will serve them reliably for years, or even a lifetime. For these reasons, the Damascus blade knife is very appealing to hunters who are looking for reliability and quality craftsmanship. Let's take a look at some of a Damascus blade's unique characteristics and some of the reasons they're so sought after by outdoorsmen.
What is a Damascus knife?
One of the most recognizable features of a Damascus blade knife is a wavy, mottled pattern on the blade. This is caused by the unique method by which the steel is constructed. Damascus steel is produced by a unique, centuries-old forging technique. The strength of Damascus blades have inspired tall tales about them being strong enough to cut through a rifle barrel, yet sharp enough to split a hair that fell upon them.
Damascus steel was once commonly used for sword blades, up until the 18th century, when production of them finally ceased and the original production process was lost. In modern times, however, manufacturers have re-created the technique using modern technology. Damascus-blade knives of today are made by folding and intertwining dozens of layers of steel to imbue the blade with strength. Some Damascus blades use a combination of carbon and stainless steel to exploit each metal's strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
The advantages of Damascus
Many outdoorsmen swear by Damascus knives despite their typically higher price. Here are a few reasons why:
Strength. While many of the legends pertaining to Damascus blade knives may be greatly exaggerated, they've come about due to the fact that they are indeed quite strong. The unique forging process of Damascus blades was designed from its inception hundreds of years ago for the purpose of strength.
Combining strengths. The two most common types of steel used in hunting knives are carbon steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, but is hard to sharpen. Carbon steel is easier to sharpen, but is susceptible to rust, and requires treatment, such as silicon wax to withstand the elements. By combining these two metals in a in the proper way, some Damascus knives are able to combine the durability of a stainless steel outer core with the fine cutting edge of a carbon steel inner core.
Unique aesthetics. Even the most practical sportsman can appreciate the looks of a fine hunting knife. The organic, wavy pattern on the blade of a Damascus knife makes each one unique, like a work of art.
Maintaining your Damascus knife
You'll want to be sure to take care of a high-quality hunting knife to be sure that it provides a long life of reliable service. Here are some tips to take care of your Damascus knife so that it will be there to take care of you.
Storage: Don't store your Damascus knife in a leather sheath for an extended period of time. Leather can absorb moisture, which can cause the blade to rust.
Polishing the blade: Polish a Damascus blade knife with a soft cloth after use, or whenever it's gotten wet. Abrasives such as metal polish can destroy the etching on the blade, so be sure to avoid these. Apply a coat of wax to the blade after polishing to protect it from rust.
Sharpening your Damascus blade: Always keep a sharp edge on your hunting knife. A sharp knife is safer to use and of course more useful than a dull one. Damascus knives can be easily sharpened with a ceramic rod. Apply light pressure to the blade and draw it across the surface of the rod, making sure to do this at the same angle as the existing edge.
Damascus knives may be a bit more expensive and require more care than some other types of blades, but many sportsmen find them to be worth the extra cost effort. A Damascus blade makes a reliable and unique knife to carry by your side.
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