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Damascus
asop
Member Posts: 8,979 ✭✭✭✭
Many knives today claim to be "Damascus" but apparently are not authentic. How is the finish applied to these "fake" knives and are they easily identified as fake? Thanks
Comments
I found this;
Doesn't look like there is a simple way to tell the difference. My rule of thumb is - if the price is too good or the knife is Chinese, India or Pakistan, it's probably fake. Bob
What they call "Damascus" is layers of steel, usually two alloys then forged welded together and hammered out to shape. After grinding the edges, it is dipped into an etching solution to reveal the different alloy end grain that becomes exposed.
Then you have fake, imitation "damascus" which is just a pattern that is added after the knife is all polished.
If you find a particular knife you like, pick up another one and match it to each other. If the patterns are identical, they are most likely fake/fakes.
If you are looking for a true Damascus Steel knife, research extensively "wootz" damascus and see if somebody is using the original process to produce them. If you want a functioning knife that will last, there are plenty of manufacturers using good steel to produce em.
If its cheap.......its fake! Damascus is EXPENSIVE