Thread: Some advice is needed

I recently spotted a handmade American-made Damascus steel razor. So what is Damascus steel? Is a Damascus steel razor any good? Any special techniques or hones needed for it? I’ve been duped by good looking razors before so help me out here...
Yours Truly,
TBS

Who’s the maker? Nothing wrong with Damascus as long as it’s made well.

Post a pic or link, there is Damascus, and there is Damascus. Most is patterned welded steel and some just acid etched to look like patterned welded. A quality razor will be several hundred dollars.

True Damascus is an ancient form of making steel that was both strong and flexible, for used in swords and knives.

The “secret” known to only a few, has been lost since the 16th century. Some claim to have reverse engineered the process and are re making traditional Damascus. Most of what you see is patterned welded steel where at least 2 kinds of steel are forged together, and acid etched, to display the pattern lines.

If you are new to Straight Razors, buy a quality new or vintage razor.

Damascus steel is formed by forge welding two different steels. Depending on which steels are used, how the steel is forged, now it is heat tempered and quenched, and how it is ground, it can make a wonderful razor, or an attractive razor shaped object that won't give a good shave. A well made Damascas steel razor is a work of art as well as a shaving implement, but don't expect it to shave any better than a plain steel razor. Like any piece of art, the skill of the artist is critical to the outcome.

True pattern welded steel, commonly called Damascus or true wootz Damascus steel, when very well done and made into a proper razor with all the correct technical details will not be inexpensive by any measure. Typically they are as much art as the are refined shaving tools. There are a few really well known makers out there and some up and comers. Links are always helpful when advising on such matters.

Everyone has given great answers.
And just to give you an idea, for referance only...
True damascus razors will START around 5&6 hundred bucks. It takes many many hours of professional experianced work to make one. There are lots of R.S.O. on ebay and places that say they are damascus and start at 20 bucks. Sure you could hang it on the wall but i wouldnt want to shave with it.

If you are considering a Damascus straight razor you have been give excellent advice already. I would only buy from a reputable known custom maker or from Boker which has a limited edition one currently.

https://shavenation.com/products/bok...n-fibre-handle

The link to the Boker is not an endorsement of the seller but as an example of what a real Damascus razor should cost and they go up from there for a custom one. There is no such thing as an inexpensive and functional true Damasus razor. Be very wary of inexpensive ones.

Bob

I contacted an EBay seller who offered a Damascus straight razor for around $100 and asked how he could offer a functioning Damascus razor at that price. He admitted in a PM that it was not a functional razor and was intended only for display.

Caveat emptor.

True "Damascus" was made from ore with a specific content of elements which came from a mine long lost to history. So anything called that is someones guess as to what it was and how it was made. I imagine there might be some pieces in a museum somewhere but they aren't going to allow a piece to be broken off and analyzed.

Actually Spendur you should research the work of John D Verhoeven on that subject. It’s quite fascinating.