is Damascus steel any good?
what are the pros/cons of Damascus steel?
how good is it compared to other steels

is Damascus steel any good?
what are the pros/cons of Damascus steel?
how good is it compared to other steels

Pro: Looks awesome
Con: Think expensive

I have one, but it's a custom blade.  I got it primarily for the look of Damascus.  Look back on page 4 of this thread for pics.

I haven't used that blade, so can't tell you about performance.  I had been tempted to try a Damascus Kershaw and another manufacturer, but from what I could tell, the corrosion resistance would've been crappy. 

Pro: Looks awesome
Con: Think expensive

I have one, but it's a custom blade.  I got it primarily for the look of Damascus.  Look back on page 4 of this thread for pics.

I haven't used that blade, so can't tell you about performance.  I had been tempted to try a Damascus Kershaw and another manufacturer, but from what I could tell, the corrosion resistance would've been crappy.

ok. thanks.  I might just try one just to see how it performs.
found a Civivi blade that looks interesting, not too expensive.  less than $100.  but I don't really need it.  but I've bought a lot of stuff I don't need.   

ok. thanks.  I might just try one just to see how it performs.
found a Civivi blade that looks interesting, not too expensive.  less than $100.  but I don't really need it.  but I've bought a lot of stuff I don't need.   

Do it! 

I’ve been wanting to try a Civivi as well. But same boat. Don’t really “need” any more knives.

Do it! 

I’ve been wanting to try a Civivi as well. But same boat. Don’t really “need” any more knives.

I have 1 Civivi with VG10 steel that I like.  the opening is really smooth.

is Damascus steel any good?
what are the pros/cons of Damascus steel?
how good is it compared to other steels

Short answer is: It depends.

The construction of damascus in a quality knife relies heavily in the proper bonding (forge welding) of the different layers of steel. They have to bond well enough that they can be twisted and filed and beat on and not delaminate.

Use the right steel and get a good bond and they can be perfectly good knives. Beautiful and usually expensive (though some factor knives are quite affordable) but still good knives.

From everything I have read though, if you put up high quality damascus to regular high quality knife steel, the regular knife steel will be slightly better due to its homogeneous nature.

I have 1 Civivi with VG10 steel that I like.  the opening is really smooth.

My VG10 is a Kizer Barbosa.  It's a smaller blade and haven't used it yet.  The opening is smooth, but not as "positive" as with the detents of the ZTs.  I'd like to try more VG10 steel though.

Short answer is: It depends.

The construction of damascus in a quality knife relies heavily in the proper bonding (forge welding) of the different layers of steel. They have to bond well enough that they can be twisted and filed and beat on and not delaminate.

Use the right steel and get a good bond and they can be perfectly good knives. Beautiful and usually expensive (though some factor knives are quite affordable) but still good knives.

From everything I have read though, if you put up high quality damascus to regular high quality knife steel, the regular knife steel will be slightly better due to its homogeneous nature.

Delamination is supposed to be common in cheaper damascus products.  At least according to a couple of my knife making buddies.  No personal experience though. 

Regarding quality of steel, it also depends on what you are using it for.  The micro-lamination nature of damascus makes it popular for kitchen knives.  My dad had one and it was a great knife, but corrosion resistance was crap.  Corrosion resistance, or lack thereof is one of the main reasons why I haven't bought more damascus. 

my Civivi Aguila detent is very good.  I can't gravity flip it, so its strong enough to hold the blade closed.  the bearings are very smooth too
there was a break in period so to speak for a few weeks where it was not so smooth, but after opening it several times over a few weeks it got better. now it opens very smooth and detent is very good
My ZT's are all better of course, but the civivi isn't bad at all.  I like it better than my Boker folders.

My VG10 is a Kizer Barbosa.  It's a smaller blade and haven't used it yet.  The opening is smooth, but not as "positive" as with the detents of the ZTs.  I'd like to try more VG10 steel though.
Delamination is supposed to be common in cheaper damascus products.  At least according to a couple of my knife making buddies.  No personal experience though. 

Regarding quality of steel, it also depends on what you are using it for.  The micro-lamination nature of damascus makes it popular for kitchen knives.  My dad had one and it was a great knife, but corrosion resistance was crap.  Corrosion resistance, or lack thereof is one of the main reasons why I haven't bought more damascus.

Getting the metal very clean and getting the right temperature is key. From the forging videos I have watched, the smiths often test it by filing away at and edge and making sure they stick together. I have never seen one delaminate either but I would imagine it a problem with an ametuer or a cheap knife.

my Civivi Aguila detent is very good.  I can't gravity flip it, so its strong enough to hold the blade closed.  the bearings are very smooth too
there was a break in period so to speak for a few weeks where it was not so smooth, but after opening it several times over a few weeks it got better. now it opens very smooth and detent is very good
My ZT's are all better of course, but the civivi isn't bad at all.  I like it better than my Boker folders.

Ahh.  Maybe the Kizer just needs some working in.  I have plenty of others, but I got this particular knife to test the VG10, but just haven't had a chance.  ZTs in S30/S35 and M390 (and similar) are my current preference. 

these are the top 5 folders that I carry most often.  not necessarily the best, but the ones that make their way into my pocket the most:

1.  Kershaw Link - M390
2.  Kershaw Knockout - Sandvik14C28N
3.  ZT 0909 - S35VN
4.  ZT 0566 - S35VN
5.  ZT 0393 - CPM20CV

the ZT are better quality, but the Kershaw blades are slightly smaller and the Knockout is very thin, so they are easy to carry with anything i'm wearing.  each one of their pocket clips are very functional.

these are both Dmitri Sinkevich designs by Kershaw and ZT.  I had the Kershaw for a little while, I just got the ZT
the Kershaw Atmos was around $30, the ZT 0452CF is $240 retail but I got it on ebay for $160 so I could not pass up that deal   
similar blade designs, the Kershaw is 3" blade, the ZT is 4.1" blade.  overall the ZT is about 2 inches longer OAL. Kershaw is 8Cr steel, the ZT is S35VN.
both are super snappy and smooth opening, riding on KVT bearings.
the ZT is really light with the CF handle.  half the handle is CF the other half is Ti.  the opening on both these are really, really nice!
this is my 6th ZT, and all of them are worth the money.  great parts, opening is great on all of them, all of the steels are top notch.
you cannot go wrong with ZT!!!!!   
and sometimes Kershaw is pretty good too. 

got 2 new custom pocket clips from a seller on ebay.  really long wait time, he was super back ordered
but they are really nice, engraved, deep carry clips.  works great with heavy pockets too

Been busting ass at work lately, so splurged with some OT money on some fixed blades.

SOG Pillar S35VN
Emerson Utility 154CM
CRKT C/K Dragon
KaBar TDI

Very impressed will all, for various reasons and intended use or gear combination. Will definitely look harder at SOG (this particular line) and Emerson foxes knives. Maybe more overall impressed with the CRKT, esp for the price. Might get a couple more for various uses.

Been busting ass at work lately, so splurged with some OT money on some fixed blades.

SOG Pillar S35VN
Emerson Utility 154CM
CRKT C/K Dragon
KaBar TDI

Very impressed will all, for various reasons and intended use or gear combination. Will definitely look harder at SOG (this particular line) and Emerson foxes knives. Maybe more overall impressed with the CRKT, esp for the price. Might get a couple more for various uses.

nice!
that Kabar looks interesting

nice!
that Kabar looks interesting

It’s intended for left hand carry and draw. Wore around a few days and as long as you have a decent belt, it’s quite comfortable and easy draw. I’m thinking of getting a couple other variants. Similar concept and different blade length and shapes.

Went cheap knife shopping recently.

Top ones a ganzo. Cheap knives but decent blades. Advertised as D2 steel on this model but I don’t know. Smooth opener though.
I’ve been pretty happy with ganzo for my knock around but tend to stick with Kershaws.

Bottom one I bought for shits and giggles as I loved the shape and I could get a sheath for it.
Carbon steel blade so easy to sharpen but gotta keep it oiled. (I use plain cooking oil)

Opening the picture makes them look distorted.

Went cheap knife shopping recently.

Top ones a ganzo. Cheap knives but decent blades. Advertised as D2 steel on this model but I don’t know. Smooth opener though.
I’ve been pretty happy with ganzo for my knock around but tend to stick with Kershaws.

Bottom one I bought for shits and giggles as I loved the shape and I could get a sheath for it.
Carbon steel blade so easy to sharpen but gotta keep it oiled. (I use plain cooking oil)

Opening the picture makes them look distorted.

Nothing wrong with cheap nicely priced knives.  As long as they perform the intended function/use. 

I tend to stay away from D2 now due to poor corrosion resistance.  But that's because I'm not as disciplined with the care.  Had some that corroded, but a few just sort of developed a patina and stopped there. 

Tops Desert Son
https://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-Knives-Desert-Son--4423
I wanted a fixed blade that I could beat around.  use while doing yard work, or take to kokohead.  I might use it to dig in the dirt or use for a prybar, or other tool-like uses.
so far I've worn it a couple times doing yard work.  I like that its not too big, 3" blade of 1095, easy to sharpen and its not in the way as I move around.  .19" thick, feels pretty durable.  kydex sheath that can pivot 360° with steel belt clip, I have it for a cross draw horizontal carry right now bc its comfortable to carry as I do yard work.

Tops Desert Son
https://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-Knives-Desert-Son--4423
I wanted a fixed blade that I could beat around.  use while doing yard work, or take to kokohead.  I might use it to dig in the dirt or use for a prybar, or other tool-like uses.
so far I've worn it a couple times doing yard work.  I like that its not too big, 3" blade of 1095, easy to sharpen and its not in the way as I move around.  .19" thick, feels pretty durable.  kydex sheath that can pivot 360° with steel belt clip, I have it for a cross draw horizontal carry right now bc its comfortable to carry as I do yard work.

SNIP

Nice!  There were a couple of TOPS fixed blades that I was looking at.  Those seem super sturdy.  I also remember them from the movie Hunted. 

I have an ESEE 3 that I have for similar use.  Nice blade, but also one that I've beaten up quite a bit and also have a reputation for being pretty durable.  I just with the steel that they used was more corrosion resistance, but I understand why they selected that steel for that specific blade.