Knives are very essential in every kitchen, especially for those who cook a lot of meals with fresh items that require preparation. The problem is, a lot of options are available in the market for knives which create difficulty for us in choosing the best one for us.
Normally, there are two types of steel used for making knives: damascus steel and stainless steel. In this article we have briefly described every type of knife which will help you make a decision in choosing the better one for yourself.
What is Damascus Steel?
Damascus is a special type of compound which includes more than one layer of steel and it is easily detectable because of the wavy pattern curve into the steel.
In previous times, original damascus steel was made with a special type of metal called wootz steel which is produced in India but now the modern damascus steel is a composition of two steel : softer stainless steel and high carbon content steel for compliance. The damascus steel is featured of :
- Wavy pattern incise into the blade.
- Rockwell hardness scale range lies 52 to 60.
- Easy to maintain because of corrosion resistance.
- Strong enough and will not break for many years.
Also Read: https://knifeplatoon.com/carbon-vs-stainless-steel-knife/
Is Damascus Steel Better Than Regular Steel?
Damascus steel is highly enviable, but it also has its drawback. One of the highlighted things is its expensive cost. The process of making damascus steel is very difficult, that’s why any knife which is made from damascus has a high selling cost.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a knife that clones as an everyday carry and one that can kill, Damascus steel may not be your best bet. While the pattern looks cool which increases the overall beauty of these knives, they are not necessarily stronger than other types of steel.
All of these knives come under the great manufacturing process which ensures the high durability.
Unique Pattern Formation
The main thing which gets attention instantly is, the damascus steel is made using a complex and fascinating pattern. This formation is done by using the mixture of various types of steel which are folded and forged together to create a layer effect.
These patterns could fluctuate from simple curvy lines to intricate geometric designs and make every piece of damascus steel truly great. The exact process of how the patterns are implemented is still not revealed, but it is assumed that different types of steel, the forging process and the use of certain acids during the finishing process all play a role.
Anyhow, the result of these patterns produce surprisingly well and boast stunning and perfect styles of damascus knives.
This help you to know more about damascus steel.
Hardness and Flexibility
Another characteristic of Damascus steel is its perfect combination of ductility and hardness. It is not like other steels which are extremely hard and break easily but Damascus steel has both flexible and hardness properties which make it perfect for use in various applications.
This combination of properties makes Damascus steel ideal for use in knives, swords and other cutting tools, where a sharp edge is required, but the blade must also be able to bend and bend without breaking.
Testing Methods for Strength
There are various ways to check the strength of damascus steel.
Hardness Testing
Hardness testing methods enable us to measure the resistance of steel to contort. It is basically done using a rockwell hardness test, which specifies the steel with diamond tip and measures the depth of the concavity.
Tensile Testing
Tensile testing indicates the ability of steel to withstand tension or tensile strength. This is usually done by grasping the end of a steel specimen and engaging it until it breaks. The amount of force required to break the illustration is recorded, and this information is used to determine the tensile strength of the steel.
Impact Testing
Impact testing measures the ability of testing the steel to absorb energy while subjected to sudden impact. It is normally done by charpy test as well, which involves oscillating a weight into a steel sample and measuring the amount of energy absorbed by the steel during collision.
Fatigue Testing
Fatigue testing measures the ability of steel to withstand stress cycles. This is done by continuously loading and unloading the steel specimen until it fails. The number of cycles required to cause failure is recorded and this information is used to determine the fatigue strength of the steel.
Bend Testing
It measures the steel’s ability to bear the bending force. It is checked by bending the sample steel until it breaks. The force which is required to cause failure is recorded and this information is used to estimate the steel’s bend strength.
Shear Testing
Shear testing measures the ability of steel to oppose shearing forces. This is checked by applying a force to the top of the steel representative that is perpendicular to its surface, causing the sample to shear or break along a plane. The amount of force required to cause failure is recorded and this information is used to determine the shear strength of the steel.
Types of Damascus Steel
The strength of a blade is not only due to the type of steel that is used in its manufacture but also the way it is made. There are two types of steel that are used – soft and hard. Mild steel is used to make the core of the blade while hard steel is used to make the cutting edge. This mild steel material is also used to create borders around the cutting edge.
This allows the blade to be sharpened without affecting its strength. Both types of steel can be sharpened together and you can easily handle sharp razor edges without damaging your knife. So what is it about Damascus steel that makes its knives so popular?
The main and best reason for this is that it is easy to sharpen compared to other blades in the market. If you are using high carbon stainless steel, you need to clean it with water or oil after each use and don’t worry about rusting again.
Factors Affecting Damascus Steel Quality
Some of the important factors which may affect the choice of metals for your damascus steel weapon are more feasible than relevancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Damascus Steel Suitable for Heavy Duty Application?
Yeah, the damascus steel is a great choice for heavy duty application because of their exceptional strength and durability. Its high resistance to deformation, rigidity, collision, fatigue, bending and shear forces makes it perfect for use in those applications where heavy loads and repeated stresses are examined.
Is Damascus Steel Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes of course, damascus steel is also suitable for outdoor use but it is also important to maintain its property to prevent from rust and corrosion.
Can Damascus Steel Be Resharpened?
Yes, damascus steel can be resharpened as it requires more frequent or recurring sharpening than other types of steel due to its extraordinary hardness and durability. Although, The capability of reshaping Damascus steel makes it an ideal investment, as it can be used for a long time with proper care.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the power of damascus steel is highly appreciable and credit goes to its unique combination and producing process. The composition of various steel alloys such as high carbon steel and low carbon steel and the process of manufacturing multiple layers of steel together and engraving the surface then results will give incredible hard and durable steel.
It does not matter even if you are a blacksmith, chef, hunter or collector, Damascus steel is a highly amazing material that is sure to impress. With its extraordinary stiffness and resistance to deformation, tension, impact, prostrate, bending, and shearing forces, Damascus steel is the ultimate choice for anyone who demands the best in strength, quality, and performance.
Now, the simple answer to the question “is damascus steel strong?” Yes, it is.