The best pattern stainless damascus???

[Don Robinson]

I have an order for a button lock folder with stainless steel damascus blade and bolsters.

I know I can get it from the knife supply houses and have done so in the past.

Who makes a really great SS damascus? Please recommend someone for me. I want a damascus that not only looks great, but will hold an edge like ATS34.

[Ray Rogers]

There are only two makers that really stand out in stainless damascus. Mike Norris (Stamascus) and Devon Thomas. Both have proven track record and their steel holds an edge every bit as well as the damascus components would do if used alone....

Sandy McC lure at giraffebone.com has a very nice group of patterned damasteel. I did like the first they came out with because of lack of different pattersn but now they have several nice ones to choose from . Give her a call.

[Don Robinson]

Thanks, guys, this is what I wanted.

I just talked with Johnny Stout and he recommended Devin Thomas.

Anybody else??

[David Broadwell]

Don,

I use Mike Norris' stainless damascus and think it's the best. It will hold an edge very well, having some D2 in the mix. Mike also makes san mai laminates. It's always been defect free. It finishes well, etching in ferric chloride.

Damasteel is good and should hold an edge reasonably well. I don't use it anymore because of the etchant needed. You can't use ferric chloride, which I find safe. You have to use an acid like muriatic or nitric. I don't like the fumes rusting my equipment and burning my eyes!

Haven't used Thomas' in years, so I can't really say what it's like now.

David

[Don Robinson]

Thanks, David.

I guess I would buy directly from Mike Norris if I go that way?

I'm going to show my customer the different types and patterns and let him choose with my advise.

Lots of good information here.

[David Broadwell]

Don,

Yes, you can contact Mike directly. If you have a recent copy of the Knives annual you should be able to find contact info. I'd have to dig through mountains of stuff to find it!

Another maker of stainless damascus that I forgot about is Gerome Weinand. I used a billet of his stainless for a large sub hilt fighter and it worked well. I have no info on edge holding, but I believe it had the same ingredients that Devin uses (and Mike except for the D2) and should be reasonably good. Chuck Bybee, Alpha Knife Supply, told me about Gerome's steel. http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/damascus.htm lists some heavy stock on the AKS site. Contact Chuck mailto:chuck@alphaknifesupply.com and see if he can help.

David

[M&J]

I've been using Devin's for a spell and used a couple bars of 440-C/AEB-L in a spirograph and vines/roses pattern. Easily worked, holds an edge comparable to 440-C. However, it just does not get as sharp as an all 440-C blade for me. The AEB-L seems to be a few ticks softer so I feel these areas of the blade when doing some slicing tests. YMMV

This is one I kept for myself to carry-use.

[Don Robinson]

Man, that's a beautiful knife, Michael.

I went to Devin's site and I see he offers a mix of AEB-L and 330. I'd think that would rate below your AEB-L and 440c mix on edge holding.

I didn't see any other mix offered.????

I can't find any way to get in touch with Mike Norris.

[David Broadwell]

Don,

I found Norris' phone number. 606-798-1217 He's on eastern time.

Don, you're right. Michael Fong does make a beautiful knife. I know because I own one! Look at his photography too.

David

[Don Robinson]

Thanks a bunch, David Broadwell. I'll call him.

Are you always this helpful?

It's really nice to have you here.

[Don Robinson]

I just talked to Mike Norris on the phone. he's sending me all the information about his work including photos..

He says he uses 19C27/303/D2 for his damascus.

Thanks for the phone number.

[David Broadwell]

Originally Posted by Don Robinson

Thanks a bunch, David Broadwell. I'll call him.

Are you always this helpful?

It's really nice to have you here.

I offer my help for the profits. I'll hit You and Mike with my usual bird dog fee, a 7-Eleven Big Gulp!

Yes, I try to help. We all make better knives and bring more collectors to the party when we help each other.

David

[M&J]

Thanks Don.

I wasn't familiar with 303 is this the characteristics?

Incoloy? 330 is high in nickel and chromium that provides good resistance to carburization, oxidation, and nitridation. Incoloy? 330 is welded easily by all conventional processes; it can be formed hot (between 1750-1200? F) and cold. Incoloy? 330 is used for industrial heating furnaces, muffles, retorts, boxed and baskets.

That sounds awfully soft for a component in a blade but I suppose not much different than a 1095/Ni mix. The other parts of this mix sound interesting....would like to see it etched.

We need to sign on for the Big Gulp frequent drinkers card.

[Don Robinson]

Hi, Michael.

303 is much tougher than nickel.

It won't harden but he says the way he makes it there is a ribbon of 19c27 along the cutting edge and any place the 303 lies on the cutting edge wears away quickly leaving the 19c27/D2.

The AEB-L is about the same as 19c27 according to him.

I've always refused to use carbon damascus for blades because of the nickel. I don't see how it could make a good edge holding blade. I guess that statement will earn me a big old black eye.

According to Norris the 303SS is used in a small amount for contrast.