The Allure of Damascus Steel

 ASH D718r custom handmade hunting knife with 3-inch blade and epoxy resin handle in close-up view

Have you heard of wootz steel and its fascinating history? Damascus steel is a type of steel that was used for manufacturing blades in the Near East, made from wootz steel. The original Damascus steel swords were created in the vicinity of Damascus, Syria, between 900 AD to as late as 1750 AD. This steel is known for its unique combination of hardness and flexibility, with distinctive patterns of banding and mottling that resemble flowing water.

The high street of Damascus, the capital of Syria, features a statue of a warrior on horseback named Saladin, ruler of the medieval Islamic world. Saladin fought for the Holy Land of Jerusalem on behalf of Islam during The Crusades, a fierce 200-year-war between European Christianity and the Islamic world in the 11-13th centuries. Saladin is known for the sword he holds with his right hand, pointing it up towards the sky. This blade, also known as the Damascus blade, played a significant role in the history of iron.

Damascus steel blades are handmade and forged for hours to make, and the blade is known for its strength and beauty. Today, modern pattern welded steel is used to make Damascus steel by folding together two dissimilar steels and etching them. The contrast between the steels creates a visible pattern of bright and dark lines that add to the allure of these knives.

Ash Gears, located in Toronto, is one of the most trusted knife makers, producing a variety of Damascus steel knives, kitchen knives, and other knives made of grade 440C steel. The team at Ash Gears ensures that every blade they produce undergoes a hardness test on a Rockwell scale. They use 15n20 to pair with 1095 for their Damascus steel, making up the bright layers in the pattern. The nickel in the steel resists the ferric-chloride used to etch blades. Their blades set between 55-58 (HRC) on the Rockwell scale, providing the perfect balance of strength and flexibility.

In an era of fake products and counterfeit goods, it's important to be careful when purchasing knives. Ash Gears produces high-quality knives that are reliable and durable. Their personal favorite from their stainless steel selection is a set of kitchen knives with handles made of different materials such as walnut wood, camel bone, and epoxy resin. Each knife is well-balanced and designed to meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

With its unique history, strength, and beauty, Damascus steel continues to captivate knife enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

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