Blade Damascus

Kershaw Ken Onion knife blade materials?

What’s the deal with composite (bi-metal) and Damascus edge Kershaw blades? Are they better in any way, such as holding an edge longer, or is it simply cosmetics?
And while we’re at it, how about choosing between the Sandvick 13C26 metal vs. the S30V metal???

I prefer stainless steel handles to aluminum because stainless is very corrosion resistant and is less likely to be scratched.

S30V stainless has vanadium in the alloy, 13C26 uses chromium for it’s strength. Many knife makers believe that vanadium is better at helping the steel hold an edge. Also vanadium produces a smaller crystal grain than chromium does. So not only does S30V hold the edge longer, it holds a sharper edge longer.

Note that 13C26 stainless is no slouch in sharpness as it is used in razor blades and surgical instruments but it will not retain an edge like S30V for things much harder than whiskers and skin.

Layering and/or etching the steel into damascus patterns is for looks basically.
I don’t know anything about the composites.

Making damascus steel 1

Ginsu 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set, with Black Block Ginsu knives have commercial quality, high carbon, Japanese stainless steel blades. Stainless Steel handles are built for extreem strength and durability. Hardwood storage blocks keep your knives organized, safe and ready to use. This set includes: Chef�s Knife, Santoku, 6 Steak Knives, Bread Knife, Boning Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife, Shears, Versatile Hardwood Storage Block…

Shun Premier Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch $119.95 Shun Premier Chef’s 8 Inches…

Shun DM0718 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Hollow Ground Knife $129.95 A member of the stylish Shun Classic line, this multipurpose Santoku knife comfortably handles any kitchen cutting need from chopping to mincing, dicing, and slicing. Resembling something between a chef’s knife and a cleaver, this tool features a wide blade measuring 6-1/2 inches in length. The scalloped detailing along the knife’s cutting edge creates air pockets during use to prevent food from a…

Citadel Knives 162 Damascus Hunting Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Rosewood Handles & Blood Groove $256.68 Citadel Knives – Damascus Hunting Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Rosewood Handles & Blood Groove: Model CD-162. 15 1/8″ overall. 9 1/8″ Damascus steel blade with blood groove. Rosewood handle with tooled black finish steel guard. Brown leather belt sheath and nylon zipper storage pouch included. Hand forged and hand made in Phnom Penh, Cambodia….

Damascus Blade [Explicit] $8.99 …

Forging Damascus : How to Create Pattern-Welded Blades Parts 1 & 2 [VHS] …

Forging Damascus: How To Create Pattern-Welded Blades [VHS] This two-tape video featuring the author of The Complete Bladesmith and The Master Bladesmith takes you step by step through the creation of a beautiful 10-inch Damascus blade. Learn things that books can’t teach, including how to correct mistakes, get a proper welding heat, grind an edge and more….

Forging Damascus: How to Create Pattern-Welded Blades [VHS] $29.95 …

Kershaw Skyline Knife with Textured Black G-10 Handle $33.33 Blade length: 3 1/8″ Closed length: 4 1/4″ Steel: Sandvik 13C26 Stainless Chromium Steel; StonewashedHandle: 6061-T6 Aluminum with G10 Overlays…

Kershaw Leek Knife with Sandvik 14C28N Stainless-Steel/CPM-D2 Composite two-tone Stainless-Steel Blade $50.87 The Leek series includes some of Kershaw’s most popular knives, and this model is no exception. This particular knife features a distinctive design by celebrated knife maker Ken Onion, who created the SpeedSafe ambidextrous assisted opening system. With SpeedSafe, the user can smoothly and easily deploy the blade with one hand, either left or right. This makes it ideal for sporting and work situat…