What is Damascus Steel?

History of Damascus Steel

The Cadillac of steel, Damascus, traces its roots back thousands of years to Southern India where ingots of Wootz steel were imported from. Wootz steel was an ultra-high carbon crucible steel, which is made by melting cast iron, iron, and sometimes steel, along with sand, glass, and ashes in a crucible. There’s no definitive word on where “Damascus” came from, but the most common explanation is that it’s named after the city in Syria, where it was imported and used to forge swords. Another explanation is that the word “damas” is the root word for “watered” in Arabic, possibly referring to the water-like pattern in the steel. There is also some debate on the actual “recipe” of the Wootz steel that was used to forge Damascus steel.

Modern Day Damascus Steel

In modern times, there have been several individuals who have successfully produced a crucible steel that has characteristics consistent with original Damascus steel. Notedly, archaeologists have tried to reverse-engineer the process to reproduce the exact elemental, structural and visual characteristics of the legendary steel. The Modern Damascus used in swords and blades today, are forged using a technique of forge-welding from several different pieces, producing the surface pattern and blade strength that’s similar to the original found on ancient Damascus blades.

What Is Damascus Steel Made Of?

Iron slices and several types of steel are layered and forged together to form a billet and then, it’s drawn out and folded in a process that produces hundreds of layers and the signature wavy look of the steel. Because it has a high percentage of carbon, Damascus steel is very hard, yet it is also flexible, which makes it perfect for making swords. It can be sharpened to a razor-edge and will hold its edge longer than other blades.

What’s Its Appeal?

The signature “flowing water” pattern that gives Damascus steel its elegant look has made the steel, in ancient times, considered to be a precious metal. Damascus steel swords are legendary with a history of some of the most coveted swords in the world. Today, Damascus blades are still coveted by sword and knife aficionados because of their perfect combination of strength and flexibility. The reason that flexibility is important is that if a blade is too hard, then it can be brittle and has the possibility of breaking on impact. Having a blade that is softer and therefore, more flexible in the spine, lets it give just enough on impact so that it won’t break. Of all the types of steel, however, it does require the most care to keep it in pristine and serviceable shape, so, it also needs to be wiped down after use and coated with a light oil on a regular basis.

How Does It Compare With Other Steels?

There are several ingredients used in the making of steel with the most important one being carbon. All steel will have some percentage of carbon in it because it is a hardening element and will reduce the wear over time. When Manganese and vanadium are added, they also make the blade harder. Chromium is used to increase the strength of a blade and also as an anti-corrosion ingredient. Other ingredients include silicon, cobalt and phosphorus to improve strength; nickel to add toughness; sulfur to increase machinability; and tungsten to also increase wear resistance. The categories of steel which most blades fall into are stainless steel, high carbon steel and Damascus steel. When looking for the knife or sword that is perfect for you, make sure you include in your decision the type of steel that will best suit your needs. Here is a break-down of the qualities that the other types of steel have to compare with Damascus steel.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most rust resistant of the three types because it has a minimum of 12% chromium in it which is an anti-corrosive ingredient. The more rust-resistant your blade is, the less you have to worry about the maintenance of it. As always, though, if you abuse your knife or sword, it will eventually rust. Stainless steel is great for diving knives because of their exposure to the corrosive properties of saltwater. Also, as you know, kitchen knives are made of stainless steel, as well as, utensils. Although, stainless steel blades can be sharpened, they don't hold an edge as well as blades of other materials, but they are a great cost effective choice for a good pocket knife. If you are looking for a display sword, only, stainless steel is an excellent choice as it will look pristine for just about forever.

High Carbon Steel

Like it's named, this type of steel has a much higher content of carbon than stainless. The more carbon added, the harder the blade and the less wear over time a blade will sustain. Blades made of high carbon steel can be sharpened to a nice edge and will keep a sharp edge longer, but extra maintenance needs to be taken into consideration. You have to take care of them by making sure they are wiped clean after use and kept in a relatively humidity-free environment. Regular coats of a light oil like sewing machine or gun oil can be applied to prevent moisture from damaging the blade. Professional grade kitchen knives are made out of high carbon steel, as well as, a variety of fixed blade and pocket knives. Functional swords are also made out of this type of steel but, once again, must be maintained to keep them rust-free.

What Is Damascus Steel Used For?

When crafting a blade, the edge of it needs to be very hard so it will hold its sharpness, which is what a high carbon content allows. However, a blade needs to also have some flexibility, and this is why Damascus steel is preferred when forging a sword blade. It is used to craft both high-end, heirloom quality swords and knives.

Knife Recommendations

Here are some exceptional examples of Modern Damascus steel pieces that you can find out on today’s market.

Kriegar Damascus Pocket Knife

The Kriegar Damascus Pocket Knife has a definite heft to it when you hold it in your hand, giving you the assurance that you have a knife that won’t ever let you down and that will last a lifetime. It has a keenly sharp utility-edged Damascus steel blade that has a brass thumb stud for smooth manual opening. The hefty, rectangle-shaped handle is also made of solid Damascus steel and has brass and fileworked stainless steel liners. The pocket knife comes in a genuine, premium leather sheath pouch, which has a carrying thong. This is an exceptional piece that showcases the visual fluidity that can be achieved when using Damascus for both blade and handle.

Timber Wolf Custom Stag Handle Bowie Knife

Timber Wolf continues its proud legacy of superb craftsmanship and quality with this traditionally styled, Custom Stag Handle Bowie Knife, featuring heavy construction with a hefty Damascus steel blade. The oversized clip point blade is razor sharp with a deep blood groove and piercing tip. The custom-designed handle is crafted of genuine stag and handsomely embellished with a polished brass-plated guard and pommel and brilliant brass pins and spacers. Colorful wooden inserts complete the handle. Store and carry it in the top-quality genuine leather belt sheath.

Kissing Crane Genuine Abalone Stiletto Knife

Experience the unrivaled quality of Kissing Crane knives first-hand with the Genuine Abalone Stiletto Knife, which offers elegant, genuine abalone handle scales that are completely unique from knife to knife. The stiletto is accented by brass-plated pins and bolsters and features a razor-sharp Damascus steel blade with the world renown Kissing Crane logo stamped right on the blade. The beautiful water-color tones of the abalone make a striking contrast to the Damascus steel.

Sword Recommendations

Shinwa Imperial Dragon Katana

Shinwa Swords hand-forges their swords using ancient, time-honored tempering techniques that give them a custom look. Each sword is continuously heated, folded, hammered and shaped before being oil-quenched and then straightened. After quenching the blade is ground and hand-sharpened and polished by the swordsmith on a series of wet stones. The Imperial Dragon Katana’s full-tang blade was expertly forged by seasoned swordsmiths from Damascus steel, making it a sword collector’s dream. Supporting the blade is a handle wrapped in genuine white rayskin, which is contrasted with black cord-wrapping and intricately detailed brass menuki. The custom, black cast metal tsuba adds rustic charm set above a polished brass habaki. The hand-lacquered red scabbard is every bit as impressive as the katana with its Japanese dragon motif inlaid with stunning, genuine mother of pearl.

Honshu Boshin Damascus Double-Edge Sword

The Honshu Boshin Damascus Double-Edge Sword fuses tradition and innovation to yield a masterwork of modern sword design. The sword has an impressive Damascus steel blade extending from a pointed ellipse design handguard. The steel handle has a textured TPR grip for an ergonomic, no-slip grip and its has an oversized, polished steel pommel. In keeping with the Boshin sword’s clean, functional motif, the scabbard is wooden with a semi-gloss black finish and features black faux leather wrapping and cotton cord. Trading traditional trappings for sleek contemporary style, the cutting edge Boshin is an undeniably modern weapon.

Legends In Steel Renaissance Sword

Designed with Medieval and historic collectors in mind, no detail was spared in the creation of the Legends In Steel Renaissance Sword. The razor-sharp Damascus steel blade’s striking patterns are set off by the double blood grooves on each side. The custom designed handle is meticulously crafted of carved heartwood inlaid with genuine bone. The handle is accented by a fileworked handguard and a brass plated-pommel. The sword can be carried and protected in its genuine, premium leather belt sheath. This sword looks like it might have been brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Now For Something You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Damascus steel is beautiful, but HellFyre Damascus is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Fusing tradition and innovation, the distinctive steel combines the Damascus steel technique with an exclusive new process that gives the steel an onyx black tone that’s swirling with lines of amber, garnet and burgundy. It has an otherworldly, fiery look that’s unlike any other metal in the world. It’s Damascus steel...after dark.

Hibben HellFyre Double Shadow Knife

The Hibben HellFyre Double Shadow Knife was crafted using the exclusive HellFyre Damascus forging process, which is pure innovative genius. The visually striking HellFyre Damascus steel split blade extends from a hefty, metal handguard with a black chrome finish. The handle is wrapped with copper colored wire to complement the copper tones in the blade and the skull crusher pommel is metal with a black chrome finish. The fixed blade knife can be carried and protected in its genuine leather belt sheath, which has a snap strap closure.

Hoshu Boshin HellFyre Katana

Like a dark snowflake, no two Honshu Boshin HellFyre Katana blades are exactly alike, each with its own unique patterning. Seasoned swordsmiths painstakingly hand-forge every blade, expertly marrying the exclusive HellFyre Damascus steel with the signature, innovative Honshu tactical design. The rugged TPR handle has a clean, functional design with a textured, no-slip grip and ergonomic contours to boost comfort and reduce fatigue when using the sword. The black stainless steel tsuba has an offset elliptical design and the angled pommel, also crafted of black stainless steel, features a lanyard hole. The Honshu HellFyre Katana is built for real-world use and the rigors of modern combat, despite its incredible beauty. The impressive katana slides smoothly into a wooden scabbard, accented with leather-wrap.