Damascus Kitchen Knives

They are worth it if you want a forged, full tang knife with a visible pattern and are willing to dry it after use. Ours are pattern-welded 1095 and 15N20, hand sharpened, and come with a leather blade guard, a belt sheath or, for a set, a leather roll. They are not dishwasher knives, and they need a light coat of oil.

Real Damascus shows a pattern that runs through the steel and does not stop at the edge or the spine, because the layers are welded together before forging. Etched or printed patterns sit on the surface only. Our blades are pattern-welded 1095 and 15N20. Our guide on real versus fake Damascus explains what to check in photos and in hand.

A Damascus blade is made by forge welding two or more steels into one billet, then folding and twisting it so the layers form a pattern. Ours combine 1095 and 15N20. The result is a blade that shows ripples, ladders or twists once etched, and it takes a hand sharpened edge like any carbon steel knife.

Yes, if left wet. The steel is carbon based, so rinse the blade after use, dry it straight away and rub on a few drops of food safe oil if you will not use it for a while. Never leave it in the sink or the dishwasher. A faint patina is normal and does no harm.

Rosewood, pakka wood and olive wood are warm and comfortable for long prep. Resin, micarta and G10 shrug off water and are the easiest to keep clean. Wood handles need wiping dry and an occasional coat of oil or wax.