Damascus and bulat knives

The technology of manufacturing knife-resistant knives existed thousands of years ago. It would seem that, at the modern technological stage, old methods of manufacturing blades can be forgotten and improved to better production methods. However, the newest equipment at all will not allow to improve the quality of the knife, if you do not use the secrets of casting metal and subsequent forging. But it is this that distinguishes damask and damask knives, let out even by handicraft, but with the preservation of traditional technological solutions. Moreover, it is the author's making of a knife that is considered the most attractive both for cutting abilities and for aesthetic purposes.

Features Damask and Damask Knives

Blades from Damascus and Damascus not without reason rank first in the lists of the most effective in circulation. This is facilitated by the unique cutting ability of these metals and, most importantly, the preservation of the original sharpening for a long time. In addition, bulat knives have a high hardness and rigidity, which makes them tolerant of external influences and contributes to a more effective performance of the direct cutting function. Such qualities are particularly noticeable in the case of hunting models. Depending on the alloy used, the resistance of the products to rusting processes is also noted. First of all, this applies to models made with stainless steel. Thus, in extreme conditions, the knife blade will be the optimal solution. However, at home its performance properties will find application.

What is the difference between a damask knife and a damask knife?

Damascus knives and damask blades are often confused. They really have much in common and the most important unifying feature is the presence of a unique pattern on the surface. On the performance level, damask knives and damascus also have many similarities, but there is also a difference in them.

So, the uniqueness of Damascus blades is due to a combination of seemingly contradictory qualities - it's plasticity and high strength. At the same time, bulat is characterized by the same strength, but supplemented by rigidity and hardness. In practice, to feel the difference in the indicated properties is not easy - usually it is understood by experienced hunters, fishermen and tourists. However, in domestic use, the cutting ability and durability of such knives come to the surface, for which, however, they are appreciated.

Knife manufacturers

In Russia, the manufacture of bullet knives is mainly handled by private family enterprises. Masters follow proven production methods and make their zest, which allows you to get not just a quality, but also a beautiful knife. Manufacturers have a wide geography, as they are located in different parts of the country. For example, one of the known is the Zlatoust Baranova workshop. The chief smith of the enterprise Sergey Baranov produces inexpensive but at the same time high-quality models of knives, necessarily made of his own steel. No less famous among connoisseurs of damask and damascus is the workshop of the Arkhangelskys. A family company specializes in the manufacture of blades, engraving and other metalworking operations. This specialization allows you to get high quality products and, again, at affordable prices.

When you become acquainted with the offers of the market in this segment, you can find such a name as a bulat knife "pampoo", in the description of which there are unique techniques of ebb and flow. This is the product of the master Igor Pampuhi, known among the experts in the weapons business. At the same time the blacksmith does not only forge, but also performs skilful handles for the blades with author's design.

Manufacturing technology

The technique of making blades from damask and bulat is different for each master, but there are common features. The most popular technology is the welding of several plates from different types of metal, from which a single piece is formed - "VUZ". As a rule, knives from the manufacturer from damask steel pass several stages of roasting and forging - just in the number of these procedures the secret of the masters lies. From the prepared piece of metal, separate cuts are formed, with which further forging and turning is carried out with the finishing of the primary blade to the optimum state.

Hunting knife

One of the popular types of damask knives, which has become widespread among tourists, fishermen and hunters. By the way, sometimes such models are used even in military operations. Among the features that the hunting knives have, you can note the high wear resistance and perfect sharpening. It is to these series that high demands are placed on corrosion protection. In addition, the hunting knife is provided with a strong and comfortable grip. In its creation, rare and hardwoods and genuine leather are used.

If you order an author's knife of this category, it is better to determine in advance its main purpose, which will focus on the manufacturer. For example, a hunting knife from damask steel can be cutting or skinning. There are no significant differences in performance between them, but the blade lines as well as the handle parameters can be adjusted for greater convenience during the cutting process.

Chef's knife

Models of blades made of bulat, designed to solve culinary problems, are less common. The fact is that simple operations for cutting vegetables, fruits or bakery products with such a knife can only be performed by a professional who takes into account the peculiarities of handling this tool. But, again, when cutting carcasses with bones, a knife from damask or bulat will cope better than conventional kitchen counterparts and even axes. Therefore one copy for such cases all the same will be superfluous to have in any kitchen.

Folding knives

In the manufacture of folding models, the emphasis is on ease of transportation and transport. The characteristics of the blade in this design fully correspond to the performance qualities that standard blades are provided with. Bulat folding knife has a common design, which allows you to hide the blade in the niche handle. Unfortunately, such models have one serious drawback: they lose to the usual bulat knives in reliability. This is due to the fact that the overall design is complicated due to the folding mechanism, and, as is known, the simpler the device, the more reliable the product itself.

Reviews of damask and damask knives

Basically, knives from bulat are evaluated according to the following criteria: wear resistance, cut quality, assembly reliability and external beauty. Actually, for all four characteristics, the correctly executed product of censures will not cause. But there are also specific shortcomings for damask and Damascus. In particular, the hardness and rigidity with which bulat knives are endowed often causes problems in sharpening them. The testimonies testify that to perform such operations it is necessary to turn to the help of specialists, since it is impossible to perform this task at home. Another thing is that blunting such blades is not easy. According to many users, even cutting bones and wood only slightly affects the quality of sharpening. Another point that can upset the user who bought the knife is a tendency to corrode. Therefore, it should first be made sure that the model is able to contact water and alkalis without harm.

Price issue

The cost of the knife is affected by many aspects. First of all, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the blade itself. If you use a version with small dimensions and without engraving, then its price will be 4-5 thousand rubles. Optimal versions assume the presence of a medium-sized blade with a full list of classical performance properties of the damascus, which is equipped with a simple but reliable handle without frills. This, for example, is a standard bulat knife "pampuh", which can be purchased for 7-8 thousand rubles.

The most expensive models are in the categories of hunting and gift. In the first case, the cost is increased by increasing the technical properties of the metal at the manufacturing stage. In addition, hunting models are larger than conventional knives. The price of such a product usually exceeds 10 thousand rubles. In the case of gift copies, the price maximum is not at all limited, since the design may imply the presence of elements from expensive woods, precious stones and complex engraving. Such exclusive products can be estimated at tens of thousands of rubles.

Conclusion

Quite a rare phenomenon, when the technology of ancient crafts are used today in almost the original form. Modern blacksmiths draw their knowledge not from the instructions and methodologies of the metallurgical industry, but from the advice of experienced masters. This allows them to produce bulat knives of unsurpassed quality, which is an order of magnitude higher than most factory models. This can explain the popularity of private workshops, which in their work do not focus on mass production on machines, but on maximizing the secrets of forging and casting in their works. Of course, some advancements in the industry are technologically observed - more efficient and efficient furnaces, horns and associated forging equipment are used. But the very spirit of making unique bulat and damask blades remains the same. He is characterized by author's handwriting and careful attitude to every nuance of the production process.