Knives bulatnye: varieties, production and feedback. Folding knives made of damask steel, handmade

At the mention of strong and elastic knives in an ordinary person, associations with bulat steel are quite justifiable. Blades from this metal have been successfully used for many centuries, while if previously the main purpose of such products was military targets, today the range of blade blades is much wider. The producers themselves are trying to emphasize the nature of a particular model, taking into account the specifics of its application. This applies not only to the physical characteristics of knife knives, but also to stylistic design. After all, bulat itself is one of the most beautiful metals, and the presence of various inlays and drawings on the handle significantly increases the decorative qualities of the product. But of course, they appreciate knives of this kind primarily for their operational merits.

Making bulat knives

Bulat steel is produced by the melting technique, resulting in the preparation of ingots in the form of ingots under the name VUZ. In the process of grinding such blanks, a unique unique pattern of damask metal is formed. And this steel can not be called alloyed, since it includes two components - graphite (or charcoal) and iron. To produce high-strength bulat blades for knives, the technology of casting is used, which is carried out in stages:

• First, the primary forging of sponge iron is performed.
• Next, the billet is mixed with charcoal.
• After that, the metal is placed in the crucible, where it heats up to 1200 ºC.
• In the same crucible, the metal gradually cools down to form the very same wool.

From the ingots obtained, blacksmiths are making damask blades. Just this stage provides the masters a wide field of variations on the creation of their unique works. After all, the main thing, what distinguishes knives from damask steel are handmade, this is the use of original, and sometimes even innovative secrets. And this concerns the approaches to both heating and subsequent hardening, during which the metal acquires its characteristics.

Making Damask Knives

With the technology of manufacturing bulat knives, the technique of making blades from Damascus steel is partly connected , but there are also fundamental differences. The fact is that Damascus is a combined steel, in the structure of which there are layers of different metals. This feature also caused the presence of a unique pattern on the finished product. In terms of strength properties, the knives of Damascus and Damascus steel are almost identical. However, among the operational features of the former, plasticity is noted, and bulat, in turn, is characterized by rigidity and hardness. Damascus is produced on welded equipment, which can be represented as follows:

• A package of metals of different grades is being compiled.
• The layers are poured with flux, after which they should be heated in the furnace.
• Then the metal bar is forged, during which it stretches.
• The workpiece is cut across, again form a single package and repeat the procedure first several times.
• The number of layers can reach thousands, but experts consider 300 layers as optimal for obtaining high quality characteristics.

Varieties of damask knives

Damascus and damask allow you to make blades for any needs. The characteristics of such steel endow the end products with a wide range of functionality. They perfectly cope with their tasks both in everyday life and in nature. For example, there are special lines for fishermen and hunters. Among tourists recently popular folding knives from damask steel, which differ not only in functionality and strength, but also in ease of use. Separately, such items are appreciated by lovers of beautiful things and, in particular, cold steel. In this context, it is worth remembering the unique drawings on the surface of the damask blade. Therefore, many craftsmen produce exclusive gift versions of knives, additionally decorated with stones and inserts from rare wood species.

Knives for hunting

Hunting and fishing are traditional fields of destination for damask knives. Usually for such needs, casting technology is used, which makes it possible to obtain high-carbon solid and reliable steel. In practice, the main quality for which users appreciate the hunting knives of Damascus and Damascus steel is a high cutting ability.

In addition, the blade is able to maintain the edge for a long time, keeping the sharpening in the optimal state. This feature is extremely important in the field, where there is no time for special handling of the knife. As the owners of such products note, a qualitative blade can cut a whole moose or a deer, without requiring afterwards sharpening. At the same time knives damask are characterized by a comfortable handle, adapted to various operations on hunting and fishing.

Knives for kitchen

Unique properties of bulat could not be ignored by cooks of different suits. Today it will not be difficult to find a suitable product for any kitchen. As a rule, they are made to order for specific needs. For example, in this segment, we especially appreciate the fillet models. But it is important to take into account that knives in the inexperienced hands can be extremely dangerous. The problem is precisely in their cutting ability, which is an order of magnitude greater than the conventional kitchen knife models. For regular use, the damask blade in the kitchen may be superfluous, but if you have to work hard with a problem product - here it will come in handy.

Foldable handmade models

These options can be called the most fashionable. Most bulat knives have a serious drawback - they are massive and can cause a lot of trouble in transportation and misuse. However, folding knives from damask steel are not deprived of this disadvantage. Such models are mainly made by hand, while the production process is complicated, which increases the cost. And yet the pocket knife blade justifies itself to the fullest. But it is important to consider that, depending on the design of such a knife, its performance properties can be reduced. The articulation used in the device , in particular, has a negative effect on strength. However, the wide functionality and ease of use compensate for this flaw.

Tanto knives

This is a special kind of damask knives, which, in essence, is an imitation of samurai swords. Accordingly, the tanto models have an elongated shape characteristic of Japanese analogues. Such knives are manufactured using cast technology with the provision of all canonical properties, but the craftsman pays special attention to the master. Usually it is made of leather, which in the end allows you to "quench" any vibration. But unfortunately, in practice there is almost no such kind of specimen, and they remain decorative products.

Reviews of damask knives

Basically, users' opinions about knives from bulat are positive. Especially this applies to those who first decided to test the capabilities of such products. They delight in their appearance, delivering aesthetic pleasure, and practical use, coping with any task of cutting. In turn, experienced people deeper appreciate the characteristics that are possessed by bulat knives. Feedback from these users is also noted shortcomings. In particular, some models are exposed to corrosion, although this unpleasant aspect depends largely on the manufacturing technique. By the way, already noted high price (on average 5-7 thousand rubles.) Also makes the acquisition inaccessible to many. Still, it is almost impossible to find a similar knife from other steels for such a sum.

Conclusion

The art of making damask knives comes from ancient times. In Russia in the old days there were many well-known throughout Europe workshops, which were famous for the unique secrets of making heavy-duty blades. Also today, knives from damask steel are handmade domestic production are valued not only in Russia, but also abroad. Blacksmiths have their secrets of making blades, giving them a lot of positive qualities. But in addition to the knives is worth noting and other options for the use of damask metal. These are axes, and choppers, and various daggers with swords. They also retain the characteristics of high-carbon metal, which not only allows to perform qualitatively the immediate tasks of cutting, but also pleases the eye with its appearance.