The term “Damascus” goes back to primitive western cultures referring to an earlier style of craftsmanship that emerged in India about 300 B.C. The artistry was prolific at the time and was named for the region that made it popular. You can read more on about the historical aspect
at Damascus Steel: Its History And Types. This appealing yet mysterious steel has captured the attention of many. Walk through this simple guide to extend the life of all-time favorite Damascus.
Protect the pattern
To efficiently protect the pattern, you can apply some amount of Renaissance Wax when the blade is entirely dry to guard against fading and humidity. Since our
Damascus Steel Knives are fused with stainless steel and multiple varying softer metals, so you don’t have to worry about fragmenting or flaking. Though the pattern may wear over time and therefore maintenance is a must. Oiling the Damascus steel blade offers it a rich luster to maintain its stunning pattern. The Vaseline coat or light oil effectively prevents the stain of the blade if you are storing it for longer periods. Moreover, you need to polish the blade after every couple of months to prevent any dirt and dust building up on the blade.
Maintain the edge
Damascus usually maintains its edge for quite a while, though it will dull quicker than a standard stainless steel blade. We suggest you maintain the edge with the Spyderco Triangle Sharp maker. To prevent the knife from dampening, sharpen when required using a ceramic rod.
Spot clean rust
If your knife is in a moist environment, it will probably rust. The perfect way to address the issue is to spot clean your blade using a soft scrub. If you find any sort of pitting on the blade, it is particularly crucial to clean those spots instantly. Make sure the knife is stored in a dry space. If you intend to store your Damascus in leather sheaths for a longer period, it will more likely to rust due to the leather’s absorbent nature. In case, you are still planning to store it in a leather sheath, you must enfold the blade in a plastic wrap before insertion. Additionally, you can clean the blade using sandpaper or steel wool that acts as a substantial cutting agent.
Keep Damascus clean and moisture free
Damascus blades typically require more care since the high carbon metals which help in creating the pattern presents a high risk of corrosion. It’s crucial to clean the blade once it comes into contact with moisture and particularly with acidic materials such as steak or apple. Also, we suggest you to avoid putting your Damascus knife into the dishwasher. You can clean it using a soft sponge and warm foamy water. Afterward, dry it using the dishcloth.
Conclusion
If you haven’t invested in a reliable handmade Damascus knife, you can consider adding one of the knives from
Swordswords. Damascus style and traditions are still going strong and considering the mystique and special quality, they will certainly last a long time to come.
