Been thinking about getting one of these

[MACV]

Real nice looking knife. I like the look of Damascus steel. Anyone know how Damascus holds up to use.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0042016517581a&navCount=3&podId=0042016&parentId=cat20889&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20712-cat20889&catalogCode=UH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20889&hasJS=true

[MAINER]

How about this one?

http://damascusknifestore.safewebshop.com/fox_n_hound_damascus_stag_bowie_knife.html

Less than half the price! :D

Really like Damascus blades, just can't afford them usually. :(

Haven't seen these knives, but have a "Fox an Hounds" with a 4" regular steel blade and the quality is very good on it. Nice stag on the grips. Not terribly fond of the inscriptions on the blade, however.

Damascus does need more attention than standard steel. The rougher surface traps minute particles and moisture and needs to be kept coated with wax or oil more than a plain blade. They're worth it IMHO.

Let us know how you like the "Bear"

[xdshooter]

Not to detract from this particular knife, but how can a "hand" forged damascus blade only cost $50? I mean, what is the makers time worth, and how much time was actually spent? Does anyone have any experience with Fox and Hound knives? I too would like to buy a Damascus blade from an experienced maker, but haven't done enough research yet.

On a side note, am I the only person who does not like stag handles?

later
xdshooter

[MAINER]

I don't understand how they can make a Damascus blade for $50 bucks either. The only thing to do is, one of us will just have volunteer to sacrifice a half C note and find out. :D
As I only have two knives on order presently, I just may have to order one of these also. Only in the interest of research, you understand. :tongue:

I don't know a lot about "Fox and Hounds". I only have the one small fixed blade with stag grips. I think I only paid around $22 for it and that I am extremely pleased with the quality of materials and craftsmanship it has. Would've guessed its price at over $100. Mine was made in Italy, but don't know if all of them are. Sheath is OK, but not great.

Knives are funny in that known or brand names sell for big bucks, but new and unknown don't get anywhere near that price. I used to buy Parker knives cheap, but now they're collector items. A 1836 Texas Sesquential? folder I paid $6 for is now selling for $100.

Stag just looks good on Bowie Knives and Colt SA's. I wouldn't choose it for a Survival or "Tactical" (whatever that is) but for most uses they are fine. Have knives with Kryton, micarta, leather, wood, epoxy laminate and stuff I can't remember. Stag and Bone are two more materials that look and work good in the right applications.
To each his own, buy what you like.

[STGThndr]

These damascus prices are in line with other products advertised as India manufacture. I wonder if "made" in the USA means assembled here from foriegn parts? I doubt if prison labor could keep prices this low in the States.

[MAINER]

STGThndr

You're probly right. Remember seeing Damascus blanks at a knife show a while back. Dealer said they were from India. Had a couple finished up into some decent looking Daggers. Too bad I don't care for daggers.

Got a pic of a nice lookin "coffen handled bowie" from India, but can't get it to post.

[FortunateSon]

What qualities does a Damascus blade have that make it unique? I've never owned or handled one. Or is it only cosmetic?

[MACV]

Originally posted by FortunateSon
What qualities does a Damascus blade have that make it unique? I've never owned or handled one. Or is it only cosmetic?

Yeah Im still waiting for that answer too. Somebody will be along shortly to answer.

[MAINER]

In the modern age of high tech steels, likely no advantage at all. Before that, up to maybe the 1920's, they gave a good combination of toughness and flexability.
In their day, they were the finest of their kind, now a lost art brought back to life and mostly credited to Bill Moran.

[ggiilliiee]

iirc the damascus were folded over and over ....like the samuri swords ......and made from carbon steel .....can get them verrrrrrry sharp .....way sharper than stainless aloys because of the galling.....

they sure make a beautiful knife ......as far as the price 50 bones ...yak bellows and cammel dung for forge is pretty cheap ....i dont think they were union shops ....just tents /////he he .......

[RT]

I just ordered the silver stag point swoop crown Damascus knife from the web site that Mainer gave. with uspo shipping it will total out at $75.55. not bad for a real damascus blade. and i like stag handles. i can use it if i ever renact for the SCV. or become a buckskinner. i my eyes not a bad price. but when i get it, i will post a review. wish me luck. here is a stock pic.~R

[MAINER]

Nice looking blade, rt. I ordered a Bowie from them. Your's looks functonial at least, mine probly better suited for defending onesself on the River Boat. (or hangin on the wall) :D

Interesting leather work there, too!

Let us know if it cuts.

[Muggzy]

man....RT you just never quit :cool:

Nothing beats the looks of a damascus blade. I didn't know they sharpened sharper than SS baldes. ( thanks for that bit of info ggiilliiee)

man you guys got me goin' again. This is not going to make the spouse happy.

I blame all this on you guys, anyway ....well at least to my wife:biggrin:



...And I'm doin' great, ggiilliiee, thanks for askin':wink:

[ggiilliiee]

dang rt ....thats purty ....seriously ...........
..what ya waitin for muggzy.....just buy the blade for you and a week at the spa or 2 dozen roses for the mrs. ..should work well ....he he hope your doing well .....
thats just my opinion on the steel/ stainless thing .....like i said before my kabar is steel ...and after sharpening ,its the only knife ive sharpened (steel) that makes my belly feel all funny inside when i pull it from the sheath ...what a rush !! .............stainless has never done that .....he he .
heres a tp i use ..results may very ...but im into lapidary and have found if you get cerium oxide ...(powder used to final polish stones )...i mix it with water and have impregnated the side of the kabar sheath with the stuff ......when the belly rush begins to slightly fade ....i run the blade over the sheath .....gets that ole feelin rite back .... ...

[Muggzy]

Speaking of sharpening......I've been eyeballin' a Razor Strop. Got a company here in Illinois that makes them. So ..anyone ever put a knife to a razor strop and produce any result? kinda what your talkin' 'bout huh ggiilliiee?

While checkin' the razor strops I also looked at some of the straight razors :uhoh: Holy Mother Mary of Christ...these razor are expensive. They different blade edges too. Lot of learnin there to do before I would ever put a straight razor to my pretty face:D


this is the razor strop company http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522944/817101.htm

gotta go play ....got some new, kickass pellets for the pellet gun
8 degrees here this morning.....don't know how long this shootin session is gonna last ( in the garage)


....and I'm doin great, ggiilliiee, thanks

[ALL FAL]

Gent's, if you really want to know about "good" damascus, go to Bladeforums.com, there you can discover "wootz" damascus, or the Original damascus.
Todays modern american damascus makers usually use two steels to make it with, such as 1095 highcarbon and 15n20 which are sandwiched together and forge welded and sometimes pressed together, rather than hammered, it is said that a pressed billet is better than a hammered??
Let us not forget"cable" damascus, made from rigging cables, I have made this damascus, it makes an excellent blade.
I could be here all night talkin knife, so Check out blade forums, and go to the Himilayan Imports Manufacturers site, see the finest Khukuri's in the world. Happy cuttin's,, AF.:D