Thread: 8/8 Damascus and streaked horn

Beautiful-Is that desert ironwood it's sitting on? It's a stunning blank of something.

very nice work

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Beautiful-Is that desert ironwood it's sitting on? It's a stunning blank of something.

Yes sir, a block of Arizona Desert Ironwood burl.

The Damascus blade and scales are very impressive great work!

Absolutely beautiful, your razors and work don't move that far away from traditional straight razors and always hold my interest, I've always believed in the old adage of less is more sounds easy but it's more difficult than you imagine, you obviously know how to achieve this, I would one day love to own one of your razors.

Great razor, awesome craft!

Just one Q. Isnt Damazcus very prone to rust? I have had experience with damascus knives where you would look at them and they would start to rust. Just wondering?

Very beautiful and professional work!

impressive, I like it a lot! plus:
- c/p celticcrusader ...
- I have a feeling that scales at pivot end are a bit longer than usually, any particular reason for that?

Hmmm. More prone to rusting? There are a few factors that can reduce that. First I will bring your attention to old razors, any Sheffield, Soligen, Swiss steel carbon blade from the late 1800's, early 1900's, typically were made from simple carbon steels, similar to let's say 1084, or 1095. With proper care, these have survived 100 years or more, without major rusting. Patina yes, but orange/red rust, with care, no.

Another point which make rusting easier to prevent, is finish. If the carbon blade is left satin, or with fine scratches, rust can easily take hold. If the blade is bright, or polished to say a mirror finish, it is tougher for rust to start. Proper routine during and after getting a blade wet, can all but eliminate rust from starting.

Environmental's are tougher to deal with, but can be mitigated. Properly dry a blade and oil prior to storage, or a silicon sock, to impede moisture may be necessary in high humidity conditions. If we are talking knife blades, sheath storage, is an invitation for rust. A damp blade, has no way to shed moisture, and rusting is all but a given.

So, that brings us to damascus, or pattern welded steel. Choice of metals, for example, 15N20, contains nickel. The bright lines in the pattern. This is a high carbon steel, but with the addition of nickel, there is added stain resistance. Next is finish. With a nice polish, rusting is controllable. I also coat my blades with Conservators wax. Even if you use mineral oil, or Ballistoil (spelling?) you can easily fight it.

In this video, you can see the finish on these Damascus blades. A photo can't capture it...

Originally Posted by SVMAD

Great razor, awesome craft!

Just one Q. Isnt Damazcus very prone to rust? I have had experience with damascus knives where you would look at them and they would start to rust. Just wondering?

O my lord... i NEED that razor
Just caught the RAD, and have fallen head over heels for Damascus
If you where to make another, would you consider selling? for less than my arm and or leg?
My life would then be complete

(found this because i searched, "Damascus" , Thats how much i want one)