Damascus steel as much a part of myth and legend as it is a part of history. This mysterious steel is said to be the product of ancient sword and knife blade-making techniques. According to the legend, these blades were created with the sharpest edge in history. In one story, a Damascus steel sword was said to be able to slice through a gun barrel with ease. In another legend, the ability to split a hair was attributed to the Damascus blade. Unfortunately, the secret to forging this metal was lost to history. Imagine the uses of such a knife. Imagine the advancement that could have been made, especially by those who are the last true bastion of blade wielders – chefs. Luckily, Damascus steel has been recreated, and with it has been born a new age of kitchen knives – the Damascus Steel Knife.
Let Its Past Tell Its Future
Damascus steel is named after the capital city of Syria and one of the largest cities in the ancient Levant. The term “Damascus steel” goes back to medieval western cultures and refers to an earlier style of craftsmanship that first emerged in India around 300 B.C.
Damascus imported wootz steel from Persia and Sri Lanka for the production and utility of hybrid steel blades known for their toughness. It earned its enigmatic reputation due to early references to the steel that began to disappear around the 1700s. This also coincided with the decline of patterned swords and the eventual cease in production of such blades that would take place some 50 years later. With that halt in production, the method of making wootz steel along with Damascus steel seemed to have been lost to the ages.
In the late 20th century, the art form resurfaced. A bladesmith by the name of William F. Moran claimed to have discovered the process to re-create the ancient and legendary blades in 1973. That same year, Moran unveiled his “Damascus knives” and, ever since, the modern, pattern-welded steel blades have been called “Damascus knives.”
Making a Legend – How Damascus Blades are Made
In their original state, Damascus blades were known for their hardness and their superplasticity at the same time. The sciences behind Damascus steel and steelmaking are quite involved, yet they affirm the ingenuity and complexity with which Damascus techniques and processes have come to be known and respected. Metallurgy and chemistry serve as a basis for the composition and the multiple applications necessary for the steel’s production and use.
Modern Damascus steel blades have been constructed from a variety of steel types welded together to form billets. These billets also routinely contain strips of iron to provide the necessary firmness on a molecular level. As a result, they are stretched out and layered according to the needs denoted by the application of the blade and the preferences of the blade forger or owner. This indicates Damascus steel blades are produced not in assembly-line fashion but based on individual customization.
The procedure is simple: steel ingots form billets that are folded like “sandwiches” within other metal types. The resulting product can comprise anywhere up to hundreds of layers and is certain to have a solid density and varied design. This tested process ensures the integrity and uniqueness of Damascus steel every time.
By design, the Damascus knife endures any forces put to it. Not only is it strong, but it is also long-lasting. Damascus knives boast stylish patterns that metal workers engrave into the blade during the forging process; no two Damascus knives are alike. Each knife is one-of-a-kind and valuable as an expressive work of art.
Why A Damascus Chef Knife Is Right for the Kitchen
Damascus steel has a long and varied history. Though it was thought lost for a time, we were lucky enough that the process of making these beautiful knives was revived. Though the world doesn’t have much use for swords anymore, the knowledge and use of Damascus steel can now be transferred to the kitchen. However, with so many different knives, each made from different materials, why would someone want a Damascus knife over a knife made of more modern materials?
Let’s focus on four main reasons you should use a Damascus chef knife in your kitchen.
1. Damascus Steel Looks Like a Piece of Art
There's no doubt that a Damascus steel blade is pretty. The intricate design is not only eye-catching, but it also denotes a craft and art that is unique to Damascus knives. It certainly is true that they boast stylish patterns that make no two Damascus knives alike.
Your Damascus chef knife could be a talking piece or a display item if you so choose. However, the other benefits may outweigh your desire to do this.
2. Damascus Steel Comes with an Intriguing Backstory
Damascus steel has a history to it. Although it is beautiful enough to be a talking piece from its looks alone, the story behind the knife is certainly an attention-getter. Picture this: a mysterious forging process that was lost to the years only to be rediscovered in the late 20th century so that the public could avail of its legendary prowess — that reads more like a blockbuster movie synopsis than the background of your favorite chef knife!
If anything, your Damascus steel knife would make for a good conversation starter when you have friends over for supper.
3. Damascus Steel Is Known for Its High Performance
While the Damascus knife looks good and has a great story behind it, its virtues don’t stop there. It is a high-performance knife that any chef could put to good use. By design, the Damascus knife endures any forces put to it. This makes it extremely strong and long-lasting. For instance, Damascus steel knives have been known to stay sharp for longer than most production-quality knives.
With a sharpness that allows you to chop vegetables, meat, or even bone, Damascus steel chef knives are extremely versatile.
4. As in the Legends, Damascus Steel Remains Sharp Despite Constant Use
Damascus steel consisted of two dichotomous structural types: ductility and brittleness. The former allows for compression of the material without losing integrity, while the latter refers to the degree of flexibility needed to prevent shattering or breakage as well as to facilitate edge sharpness.
This ensures that the Damascus blade can cut easily and remain durable.
Damascus steel knives are truly the next level in kitchen use and interest. Fortunately, KUMA provides a Damascus steel chef knife that is high-quality, beautiful, and versatile.
Finding a Damascus Chef Knife
If you have decided that a Damascus chef knife is the right knife for you, look no further than the KUMA Premium Damascus Chef Knife.
This high-quality carving knife is 8” of hardened Japanese carbon steel kitchen knife. This premium chef’s knife features a blade consisting of 67 fine layers of Japanese Damascus steel. Its handle is made from deluxe materials, making it extraordinarily durable.
Engineered to perfection with an exceptional blend of modern technology and ancient techniques, this Damascus knife features a minimal bolster that exposes the blade heel to enable thorough cutting jobs.
The KUMA Premium Damascus Chef knife is the perfect multi-purpose cooking knife. Hand-finished to a brutal sharpness, this 2.5 mm thick blade is rated at a 60 Rockwell hardness, and the 67 layers of premium Japanese steel delivers extraordinary strength.
Careful V-shape sharpening methods and up to 8 types of handmade engineering processes ensure a scalpel-like cutting edge on this versatile chef knife. Cut through tomatoes like butter, carve meat to your preference and even chop through thin bone.
The KUMA Premium Damascus Chef Knife boasts a combination of both lightweight yet strong materials, a life-long durable, smooth and comfortable handle, and an elegant Japanese-inspired design. Upon trying this knife for the first time, you will practically fall in love with the control it affords you, and its perfect balance in your hand.
When you buy the KUMA Premium Damascus Chef knife, you can use it straight out of the box. This multi-purpose cooking knife will delight you with cutting-edge sharpness and precision the moment you use it.
What’s best of all? When you buy the KUMA Premium Damascus Chef Knife, you get an exclusive KUMA Lifetime Limited Warranty and a 30-day 100% Money-Back Guarantee!
So, what are you waiting for? The KUMA Premium Damascus Chef Knife is available now! Go get yourself a high-performance knife that is as beautiful as a piece of art, as interesting as a summer blockbuster and versatile for your all your kitchen knife needs.
Don't wait any longer, get yours today!