Thread: Damascus steel how to tell?

I'm in the market for a Damascus steel razor but recently found out that there are some cheap fakes out there. How do I tell if its a good deal?

You contact one of the Custom Makers and figure out what you are after, It is often called Damascus but really it is Pattern Welded and getting one that is a great shaver ain't cheap...

Yes, speak to a maker thereof. No imports, no modified blanks. You want the dude that bangs it all together. They're out there. And you'll pay a fair price-as one should.

Show us what you get!

I don't know of any. Can u guy suggest anyone? I really want some top shelf. I'll make the scales. I'll pay $100 for just a blade

Originally Posted by ontariocutleryjeremy

I don't know of any. Can u guy suggest anyone? I really want some top shelf. I'll make the scales. I'll pay $100 for just a blade

You'd better aim a little higher there...like about 6 or 7 times higher

Oh dang that's discouraging.. I hope I get one some day then

There are some knife makers selling pre-ground blanks for about that much, but


they are knife makers. I don't recall that either one could certify that anyone was shaving with their steel. But hey what's a couple hundred bucks to try 'em.

Or save up and get one from someone who shaves with his own steel. That's how I'd go after it, anything less is a gamble for layered steel.

A razor's edge is not a knife edge. An apple is not a pear.

REAL pattern-welded Damascus is a very labor intensive endeavor that takes a lot of skill to get right. A knife maker friend makes some incredible blades with it, but they ain't cheap!

For a fascinating look at the history of Damascus steel, watch the documentary called Secrets of the Viking sword. No way those cheapo eBay fakes are the real deal.

FWIW even the site alabama damascus will not make a good shaver. This has been reported in http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...zor-knife.html
and a few other places.. Use the search and you will see.

Real Damascus razors are expensive and are made by craftsmen. A new Damascus will cost approx $600-$1500. The razor should have a makers name that you should be able to Google them and find reviews and other examples of their work. Factories in Pakistan do not make real damscus razors regardless of their claims.