Damascus steel and damascus knife
The term Damascus (Damascus) in Damascus knives or Damascus steel refers to city of Damascus with the Arabic name Dimashq. The term Damascus knife refers to the use of Damascus steel in the manufacture of knives and kitchen knives, primarily the blades of these high-quality chef's knives. For the production, two or more different raw steels, whose different properties complement each other, are fire-welded together. Sharpness, edge retention, durability and toughness of the cutting edge, but also the design and appearance of the blades as well as the corrosion resistance of the knife blades play an important role. Damascus knives can be recognized by the grain of the etched or ground and polished blades. In addition to the quality and sharpness, each Damascus knife is unique with its own individual grain.
Small steel science for knife steels
Alloys are used to change the properties of steel. In this process, additional elements are added to the steel during production. For example, the addition of chromium can increase corrosion resistance or molybdenum can increase strength.
And because we find it interesting, and I'm sure you do too, here's a list of alloying elements and their influence on steel properties:
- Carbon - From approx. 0.4% carbon content, steel becomes hardenable. The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel.
- Chromium - From approx. 13%, this element protects the steel from corrosion.
- Silicon and molybdenum - Increase the strength of the steel
- Manganese - Also increases the strength as well as the durability of the steel.
- Nickel - brings the silvery sheen and also provides higher strength of the steel.
- Tungsten - Increases the cutting strength of the steel
- Cobalt - Increases the wear resistance of the steel
- Phosphorus and sulfur - Increase the brittleness and thus the fracture tendency of the steel.
Steel properties
Hardness
An important property, especially when used as knife steel, is hardness. Hardness is the property of not deforming under load and force. The harder the blade, the greater the edge retention. However, with increasing hardness, the brittleness of the steel also increases, so that although it would be technically possible to manufacture extremely hard blades, this would not be practical due to their tendency to break out or break off under heavy load.
Also, conversely, if the steel is chosen too soft, the problem of brittleness can be reduced. However, knives made of this steel would have to be resharpened too often and the blades would bend.
Cutting ability
The edge retention refers to the resistance to wear of the knife edge and describes how long a blade remains sharp. Or more simply, how long the blade remains sharp over a longer period of use.
Corrosion resistance
In addition to the alloy, the treatment of the steel also ensures a certain corrosion and rust resistance. In addition to the quality of the steel and the alloying elements added, heat treatment and finishing of the surfaces also have a major influence. Rough or carelessly ground surfaces are much more susceptible to rust attack than smooth and cleanly polished surfaces. Also, so-called "flash rust" is easier to remove on a smooth surface than on a rough surface. With proper care of the knives, immediate cleaning and drying, and maintenance with a non-resinous oil as a thin protective film on the blades, these problems should not occur.
Damask pattern
In addition to these and other properties, the grain of the damask steel also plays a not insignificant role in the purchase decision. The special look of these steels makes each knife not only a visual highlight, but also a real unique specimen. The pattern is created by welding different types of steel, whether hand-forged or industrially manufactured. By manufacturing damask packages from steel balls, rods or plates of different steels, which are welded together in layers, as well as by folding or twisting with subsequent welding, the most varied steel patterns and grains are created. These are made visible by etching with acids and polishing.