Frequently Asked Questions About Damascus Knives
What is a Damascus knife?
A Damascus knife has a blade made of many layers of steel fused together. With ISSHO TABERU, this is a total of 69 to 141 layers, including the hard core. The layers create the pattern; sharpness and character arise from the interplay of the core and the layers.
How many layers does real damask have?
That depends on the knife. Our 69-layer series has a total of 69 layers, including the VG10 core, and the Gold Damascus series has 101 or 141 layers, including the SG2 core. More layers do not automatically mean a better knife: the smith chooses the number of layers to match the core, so that the blade achieves the best balance of hardness and flexibility.
How can I tell genuine damask from a printed pattern?
Genuine Damascus steel is created by interconnected layers of steel; etching can make this structure visible. The only problematic aspect is a pattern that has merely been engraved or printed onto a single-layered blade. What is crucial is the actual multi-layered construction and verifiable origin: For each knife, we specify the steel, hardness, and workshop, and each blade is attributed to a smith, such as Toshiki Nanbu in Echizen.
Is a Damascus knife rustproof?
Yes. The Damascus line uses rust-resistant steel and is therefore one of our easy-care lines. Nevertheless, always dry the blade after use to keep it beautiful for a long time.
How do I care for a Damascus knife?
Hand wash and dry immediately, never put in the dishwasher. Best to cut on a natural wood board. Sharpen on a Japanese whetstone at about 15 degrees per side.
