Thread: damascus steel razor

Gents,

I was wondering, how does a Damascus steel razor actually shave? Is it better than a carbon steel blade or stainless? I think it looks absolutely beautiful, but seems like a razor sharp edge would be difficult to have with one

It totally depends on the origin of the blade. I have seen some very nice customs here from makers with a reputable reputation from damascus steel, but there are a lot of letter openers on e-bay advertised as razors. Like always, you get what you pay for, some links of what you are thinking of may help, best of luck.

A quality blade be it stainless or carbon or damascus shaves great. no one class of razor shaves better than another whether it's the size or the grind or the material it's made from.

You know a Yugo will get you where you want to go the same as a BMW. it's just that the BMW is more fun and gets you there in style. Folks pay more for a razor for many reasons. Maybe it's a custom design or the maker or the material or the scales or 20 other things. Shaving better is not one of those things.

If it's well made shaves the same, if not shaves terrible if at all.

The Damascus you're talking about is pattern welded steel - you get two different steels put them together, then hammer them, fold them, hammer again, fold again etc. The carbon migrates between the steels and you get uniform carbon content throughout, but other elements and structure remain in place, so when you etch them with acid you get visual contrast between the two original components because they oxidize differently.

Real Damascus can make a nice razor. Pattern welded Damascus can make a nice razor. Most of the crap out there that is passed off as Damascus will not make a nice razor.
If it says Damascus and isn't expensive then I won't touch it.

I have one made from usa made Damascus and it is a very good usable razor. the junky imported razors are a different story all together. the geometry is wonky on the spine on mine but I solved that problem right off the bat. as to your question it is no better or worse than any vintage I own.

I have a Mastro Livi Damascus razor that shaves smooth as glass. Depends on who is making the steel. Mastro Livi uses the best material and his craftsmanship is without questions. Holds a fantastic edge.

The only benefit to Damascus steel is the visual beauty of the folded steel patterns. You will not get a "sharper" or even "longer lasting edge" than with a good quality carbon steel blade.

Edit: That Mastro Livi razor above sure is a looker! Wow.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

Real Damascus can make a nice razor.

What is your definition of "real Damascus"?

Damascus razors look pretty, and there's the only difference just as easy to hone they shave just as well as any other well made straight razor and no better.