Why You Should Have a Damascus Knife in Your Kitchen

Whether you're a professional chef, a home cook, or just somebody who enjoys throwing together a tasty meal for friends and family once in a while, you simply have to have a Damascus knife in your kitchen.

Not only will it make your cooking experience significantly more enjoyable (because they just work so well), but Damascus steel is also renowned for its strength and durability, so you're paying for both longevity and exceptional quality. The blades are incredibly sharp and versatile, and the method by which they are made makes them both beautiful and unique.

But before we elaborate on the properties of Damascus knives that make them so appealing, we're going to give you a brief explanation of what Damascus steel is and why it's different to ordinary materials.

What is Damascus Steel?

Believe it or not, the Damascus knives has been traced back to ancient Syria when it was made into swords that were used for combat. Eventually, blacksmiths started making knives, and today, they're still produced using much the same method. Pretty, incredible, right?

Unfortunately, the original, authentic process of creating true Damascus knives was lost in the 1700s. However, during the mid-1900s, the process of pattern welding emerged, becoming the closest thing to real Damascus knives that we have today. Thus, since real Damascus knives don't exist anymore, pattern-welded knives with Damascus patterns have now become known as modern Damascus steel. Thus, if anyone talks about Damascus knives  being produced today - and as we talk about it throughout this article - we're really talking about modern, pattern-welded steel.

The exact process of forging Damascus steel is quite complicated, but essentially, it involves a process of layering and forging different types of steel together – a combination of high-carbon steel and low-carbon steel (or softer iron) – to form a steel billet. Knives are then forged from the multi-layered billet, resulting in a unique wave-like pattern on the surface of the blade.

The final product is a blade that is exceptionally strong, due to the use of a combination of types of steel and is unique in its appearance.

7 Reasons Why You Need a Damascus Knife in Your Kitchen

I could probably come up with far more than just seven reasons, but for the sake of brevity and clarity, we're going to stick to the top seven reasons why you need (yes, need) a Damascus steel knife in your kitchen.

1. Strength

I've mentioned strength several times, but for good reason. Generally speaking, forming a billet with more than one type of steel will always create a stronger product than if you were using a single type of steel. Thus, it follows that using several different types of them on top of one another is going to create a product of immense strength.

What makes Damascus steel particularly special is that it's not just made from different types of steel, but it uses steels of varying degrees of carbon. This combination allows for the complex composition that makes Damascus steel so very strong.

A Damascus knives will never shatter if it's dropped, making it a popular choice not only for cooking and kitchen use - but also for use in the outdoors by fishermen and hunters. It's known as a hardy knife that has the ability to withstand a fair amount of bumping and battering.

Now, not only is Damascus strong, but the combination of low and high-carbon steel means that the blade can be rigid as well as slightly flexible. This combination of rigidity and flexibility is advantageous because the blade allows a fair bit of give, encouraging cleaner cuts and decreasing the likelihood of the knife slipping while being used.

2. Durability

Having a knife that's strong is one thing, but Damascus knives remain intact and retain their strength for far longer than alternate types of metals. Once again, this is a result of the composition of the blades and it's a true testament to their strength.

Damascus steel can withstand most general wear and tear, as long as the knives are well looked after and cleaned and maintained in the proper way. The blades are also fairly resistant to moisture and extreme heat – two things that they’re likely to encounter a lot of in a kitchen – meaning that corrosion isn't a concern, and they won't break or shatter as a result of extreme temperature changes or impact.

Now, modern-day Damascus steel is not made from purely pattern-welded steel - these knives have a solid core made of something else entirely, and the Damascus steel is only on the outsides of the blade. Thus, the quality of the core of the knife is important - if it's made from high-quality steel, the knife will be more durable than a knife with a core made from low-quality steel.

3. Sharpness

One of the most important qualities of a good knife is sharpness, and Damascus steel knives are known for being incredibly sharp. Not only that, but they also offer excellent edge retention, meaning that they stay sharp for a long time – far longer than other materials. Once again, it's all about the quality of the steel knives . If the core is made from high-quality steel, it's more likely to be a high-quality knife that is able to stay sharp.

When the knife does, inevitably, lose a bit of its sharpness, the blade can be easily sharpened by means of a few different methods. You can have it professionally treated, or, if you want to do it yourself, you can quickly and easily sharpen your Damascus steel knife using one of the multiple ways to sharpen a knife.

4. Aesthetic

Damascus steel is known for the pretty and aesthetically pleasing wavy design that occurs naturally as a result of the layering of different types of steel. Each layer is a slightly different shade, making for a smooth surface and a pretty pattern.

When you're not using it, your knife can be displayed in your kitchen, creating a professional yet arty aesthetic. I use magnetic boards or magnetic strips mounted on the wall, to show off my Damascus knives.

5. Unique

No Damascus steel is the same as the next, each one boasting completely different patterns as a result of the layering process of the steel. Thus, when you purchase your knife, try to do it in person – that'll allow you the opportunity to see the different blades on offer and choose the one with the pattern that appeals to you most.

These knives are not only a great tool to have in your kitchen, but due to their uniqueness and the care that goes into them when they're made,  make a thoughtful gift for someone special.

6. Value for Money

It's no secret that they come at a fairly high price, but because they're so strong and durable, Damascus steel knives offer excellent value for money. You may pay a decent amount upfront, but because the knife is going to last you a long time, it's absolutely worth it in the long run. You'll be making a worthwhile investment in a high-quality knife, rather than purchasing a cheaper one now that won't last nearly as long and having to replace it again in the near future.

With this in mind, however, make sure that when you're purchasing your Damascus steel knife, you're getting the real deal. Do some research on how much they tend to cost in general, and if you find one that's suspiciously cheap, it may indeed be too good to be true.

The best way to tell whether or not the knife is authentic (that is, in terms of pattern welding), other than by the price, is to look at the blade and its pattern. That is, the pattern on the blade will never be identical to another knife. The cheapest of the cheap Will be laser etched trying to simulate the Damascus pattern. However, most important is the quality used in the pattern welding process and the quality of steel used in the inner core of the blade.

7. Versatility

One of the best things about having a genuine Damascus steel knife in your kitchen is that it's incredibly versatile. That is, because the blade is so strong and you don't need to be particularly concerned about damaging it, you can use it for pretty much anything you like. It can be used regularly in your kitchen, or you can even take it along with you on your next hunting or camping trip. So, you really will get excellent bang for your buck!

Damascus steel, more generally, is also incredibly versatile, so it can be used to make blades for any kind of knife you like. Whether you need a big carving knife or a dainty little cheese knife, you can make pretty much anything you like out of Damascus steel.

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Have a Damascus Steel Knife in Your Kitchen

There you have it – the top seven reasons why you need to have a Damascus steel knife in your kitchen. It's a top-quality product, but you don’t need to be a pro to have one.

Offering exceptional strength, durability, sharpness, and value for money, there's simply no better tool to have at your disposal. No matter what you're doing or what you're cooking, an authentic Damascus steel knife will make the process a seamless one, and it'll be a tool that you'll have for many years. And, as a bonus, it looks great too!