## Damascus steel in the twenty-first century


Originally damascus steel was used because there weren't any modern alloys yet. Back then damast was a great solution to produce a great blade that was hard and sharp, and strong and flexible at the same time. Today damascus steel is mainly decorative, and functionally speaking not strictly necessary. Even though today there are still blades where a core of hard steel is laminated in between two layers of softer steel to make the core stronger. The two outer layers around this type of core are sometimes also made from damascus steel. The possibilities are basically endless. The only limitation here lies in the imagination of the blacksmith.


Want to learn more about damascus steel? Why not check out our topic: [What is damascus steel?](kato://content/migrated_topic_150)

Damast knives

Damascus blades radiate style, success and taste. And what's cooler than a hunting knife with a unique damascus-steel blade? Luxurious, stylish, gorgeous and super-chic. That's what a damascus knife is all about, but the knives are definitely made for use too!

Damascus hunting knives

Damascus hunting knives

Damascus steel, also known as damask steel or damast steel, is often comprised of two types of different steel with a different carbon percentage. These two steel types are folded and forged together to form up to 70 layers of steel, resulting in extreme levels of sharpness. This not only makes the knives very durable, but also gives them the stunning pattern unique to damast steel. Knife sets with damascus steel, often found in the assortments of Japanese brands, have a premium look and are popular with cooking professionals.

Damascus knife set

Damascus knife set

Sakai Takayuki 33 Layers Damascus kitchen knives are handmade in Japan. This collection is a beautiful symbiosis of Japanese knife making and a Western handle with three rivets. These knives are a delight to the eye and wonderful to use. Take your culinary ambitions to the next level with the Sakai Takayuki 33 Layers Damascus kitchen knives.

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer Damascus

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer Damascus

Meet the 45-Layer Damascus series of Sakai Takayuki. Classic Japanese kitchen knives with a damascus steel blade and a wooden handle. Handmade and hand-sharpened in Sakai. Razor-sharp, light as a feather and very stylish. Each knife is a true work of art thanks to the beautifully patterned damascus steel. Discover the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics in these Japanese masterpieces.

Sakai Takayuki 45-Layer Damascus

Sakai Takayuki 45-Layer Damascus

There are different famous kitchen knife brands that produce damascus knives. Take, for example, the knives from [Kai Shun](kato://category/kaishun), [Sakai Takayuki](kato://category/sakaitakayukibrand), [Tojiro](kato://category/tojirokitchenbrand) or the knives from the [Eden Classic Damast series](kato://category/edenclassicdamast) and the [Eden Hammered Damast series](kato://category/edenhammereddamast). All these knives are stunning. The number of steel layers varies, but the similarity is clear: a damascus kitchen knife is beautiful. Our range contains over 300 [kitchen knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_742) with a blade made from damascus steel.

Damast kitchen knives

The kitchen knives from the Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Hammered WA-collection have a VG-10 core, encased in 33 layers of damasteel. The upper parts of the blades have a hammered finish, a technique that is called 'tsuchime' in Japan. This finish prevents ingredients from sticking to the blade. In addition, it also looks great! A beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Hammered WA

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Hammered WA

The Miyabi 7000D knives are a pleasure to look at. The stunning damascus steel is complemented by the sleek and comfortable handle. The core of the blade is made of CMV60 steel. This is a tough and durable steel which is folded between 64 layers of damascus. That's what the D in 7000D stands for: damascus. The steel is very hard and Honbazuke-sharpened, which guarantees ultimate sharpness.

Miyabi 7000D kitchen knives

The Suncraft Senzo Black series is characterized by its dark colour scheme. The damascus steel blade has a deep grey finish and the handle is made from two dark pieces of pakka wood. This colour combination gives the kitchen knives in the Senzo Black series a cool, sophisticated look. Additionally, Suncraft Senzo knives have great cutting capabilities.

Suncraft Senzo Black kitchen knives

The Suncraft Senzo Classic is Suncraft's classic series. The blades in this series are made from stainless damascus steel with a core of VG10 steel. The core has been sharpened to a razor-sharp finish, so you can cut everything with ease. The pleasant shape of the hardwood handle ensures the knives are comfortable to hold. Besides the fact that these knives are very pleasant to use, they are also a beautiful asset in the kitchen. Because form is just as important as function!

Suncraft Senzo Classic kitchen knives

The Shun Classic series is Kai's flagship collection. It consists of stunning kitchen knives with 32-layered damascus steel, with handles made from black pakka wood. These knives look like traditional Japanese knives, both in materials and blade shape. They are beloved by amateur chefs and professional chefs alike. This Shun Classic series is one of the most comprehensive series in the world. From large chef's knives to small peeling knives.

Kai Shun Classic

The Miyabi 4000FC kitchen knives steal the show. These Japanese kitchen knives are elegant and stylish. No elaborate damascus pattern like in many other Miyabi series, but a relatively plain and sleek blade that is definitely gorgeous in its own right. This collection consists of eight different blade shapes, so you have the right knife for every cutting job.

Miyabi 4000FC

When you see the Nesmuk Exclusive series for the first time you'll immediately notice the breathtakingly beautiful blade. This magnificent damascus steel is hand-forged in Germany by craftsmen with years of experience. Countless layers of steel come together to form the stunning blade of the Exclusive collection. This series is also called *Nesmuk Exklusiv*.

Nesmuk EXCLUSIVE

The Shun Nagare series is a high-end knife series and Kai's showpiece. These are premium-quality kitchen knives with 72 layers of damascus steel, with a complex pattern reminiscent of rays from the rising sun. These knives are a paragon of Japanese forging. The black pakka-wood handle features a Western design and is as aesthetically pleasing as the blade. This series of kitchen knives is among the top in the kitchen knife field. An asset to any kitchen and a pleasure to work with.

Kai Shun Nagare

The DP37 series is the premium version of the DP3 series: their 'flagship model'. The DP37 series has a blade made of beautiful damascus steel. What sets the DP3 and the DP37 series apart from the rest of the Tojiro range is the Western style of the handles. Within this series, you will find various types of kitchen knives.

Tojiro DP37

Damask pocket knives are the embodiment style, success and taste. Gentleman's knives and EDC pocket knives: all available with a blade made from damascus steel. The folded layers of steel in a [Damascus knife](kato://category/damastknivesgeneral) are the perfect way to distinguish yourself from all 'normal' pocket knives, to show that you are different. Luxury and style. That is what a damask pocket knife is all about.

Damask pocket knives

Tojiro Shippu DP63 kitchen knives feature an impressive blade consisting of 63 layers of steel. The core is made of VG10 steel, with 31 layers of damascus steel on either side. The asymmetrical handles are designed in traditional Japanese style and made from beautiful magnolia wood. With a bolster made of chic buffalo horn. These kitchen knives are part of Tojiro's more high-end range. The name 'Shippu' means 'fast, strong gust of wind'. A fitting name for kitchen knives that cut through your ingredients like a breeze.

Tojiro Shippu DP63

Chef's knives are indispensable in any kitchen. It's a knife that most people will use on a daily basis, so it's worth getting something really special. Choose a damascus chef's knife: these knives look absolutely amazing. Chef's knives of this kind are often made in Japan, but damascus-steel chef's knives are also produced in other parts of the world. There's one thing they all have in common: each one is unique, as the damascus pattern is never the same.

Damascus chef's knives

Damascus chef's knives

Do you often fantasize about that dream kitchen filled with only the best tools? The kitchen where you will prepare the most delicious dishes? Filled with the most beautiful damascus steel kitchen knives, robust cutting and serving boards, design knife blocks, top-quality corkscrews to accompany your wine cooler, or stunning gold or black-coloured cutlery? Stop dreaming and start living! Discover everything the Kitchen Knives & Cutting category at Knivesandtools has got to offer. Before you know it you no longer have to dream, but simply open your eyes to enjoy all the great things your perfect kitchen has to offer.

Kitchen knife trends and inspiration

The Tojiro Atelier knives are handmade Japanese kitchen knives. This collection of knives has everything you need in the kitchen. The knives are made from 63 layers of hand-forged damascus steel, an impressively labour-intensive process that makes each knife unique. The choice for hand-forged damascus results in exceptional quality and durability. This series consists of a santoku knife, a nakiri, a chef's knife, a bunka and petty knives, available in different lengths to meet customer demands.

Tojiro Atelier

[Damascus knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1028) are absolutely stunning, but which is the most beautiful? Design is also important. This top list contains ten of the most beautiful damascus chef's knives according to Knivesandtools. Not only do these knives look amazing, they are also wonderful to use. What more could you possibly ask for?

Top 10 damascus chef's knives

Top 10 damascus chef's knives

There are different famous kitchen knife brands that produce damascus steel knives. The number of steel layers varies, but the similarity is clear: these knives are stunning. We added four of the best knives to this line-up.


**Sakai Takayuki bunka** 

This [Sakai Takayuki bunka knife](kato://product/TA07480) has a kengata blade. Kengata stands for ‘sword-like’ and refers to the sharply sloping end. The blade has a core made from hard VG-10, encased in 33 layers of damascus steel. The side is hammered. This takes care of the unique look and feel.

[Discover all Sakai Takayuki knives](kato://category/sakaitakayukibrand)


**Nesmuk Exclusive C90 chef's knife** 

When you look at this [Nesmuk Exclusive C90 chef's knife](kato://product/NEEDC90BM180) your eye is immediately drawn to the unparalleled damascus steel blade. This blade is comprised of a whopping 210 layers of damascus steel. The blade has a double-sided hollow grind. As such the edge is extra thin and, as such, razor-sharp.

[Discover all Nesmuk Exclusive knives](kato://category/NEXCLUSIVE)

Line-up: damast kitchen knives

## Question to Knivesandtools:

More and more knives are made from damascus steel. But what is damascus steel and does it have added value?

What is damascus steel?

What is damascus steel?

We sell over 200 kitchen knives enhanced with a blade made from damascus steel. Damascus steel is steel that is comprised of a number of layers of steel that are forged on top of each other. Producing damascus steel is a true art form. As such each knife is unique because every pattern is different. It is therefore not that surprising that some people ask if you can sharpen a damascus steel blade. The answer is short and simple.


You can easily sharpen a knife with a blade made from damascus steel. In fact: there is no difference between sharpening any other knife and sharpening a damascus steel knife. The only thing we would like to add is: be careful. After all, a damast kitchen knife is usually valuable and it is a shame if you are left with scratches on the blade. So if you know how to sharpen a kitchen knife, you also know how to sharpen a damasteel blade. No idea how to sharpen a knife? Continue reading!


## Different sharpening methods


There are many ways to sharpen your kitchen knife. Each method has its own technique depending on the desired result.


Are razor-sharp results most important to you, and do you love spending hours of your time practising to perfect your skills? If so we recommend using [sharpening stones](kato://content/migrated_pageid_343). Without a doubt these stones will leave you with a razor-sharp edge. Not in the mood to spend too much time? If so try a [knife sharpener](kato://content/migrated_pageid_650) or an [electric sharpening machine](kato://content/migrated_pageid_440). Want to vary in terms of sharpening angles without ever having to guess if you have got the right one? Why not check out our manually operated [sharpening systems](kato://content/migrated_pageid_357). For daily maintenance we recommend a [sharpening steel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_341). And with a good leather strop you can give your knives the finishing touch: you will make them shine like never before.


**Please note:** You cannot hone a damascus steel blade with a [honing steel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_405). These knives mostly have a hardness of 59 HRC or higher. The steel of the knife is therefore harder than the steel of the honing steel which means you could damage both.


For each sharpening method we have enough instruction videos and info-topics to help you out.

How do I sharpen a damast kitchen knife?

Buying guide: how do you choose a gentleman’s knife?

At Knivesandtools we sell many kitchen knives with a blade made from damasteel. The amount of layers of damast varies, but the similarity is clear: these knives are stunning. We sell almost 200 knives with a blade made from damascus steel. In this top 10 we listed our favourite damast kitchen knives.

Top-10 stunning damast kitchen knives 

Damascus steel pocket knives with a stunning blade

Buying guide pocket knives by design

## Classic models with a fresh look 
### LionSteel Twain Damascus 
The LionSteel Twain Damascus builds on the LionSteel Twain and is now available in three colours. The knife features a stunning blade made of Scrambled Damascus steel, designed by Chad Nichols, and is equipped with a reliable button-lock system. The unique 'Double Integral' design combines a SOLID® titanium frame with a carbon-fibre scale, resulting in an elegant and extremely sturdy construction. The additional milling on the frame ensures a seamless fit, making the knife a true eye-catcher. 

### LionSteel T5 Tactical Fixed Blade 
For tactical users and outdoor enthusiasts, LionSteel introduced the T5 Tactical Fixed Blade. The handle is crafted from a 4D-milled Micarta block, providing an excellent grip. This knife is now available in neutral canvas Micarta.

LionSteel unveils new models at the Shot Show 2025 in Las Vegas

## Limited Editions and Collectibles 
### Böker Jahresmesser 2025
A true collector’s item, featuring a sleek titanium handle, bronze-coloured accents, and a Damascus clip-point blade that opens with a flipper. 

### Böker Händlermesser 2025
This is a beautiful, slim EDC knife with a Nitro-V blade and gray G10 handle scales. The blade is securely locked by a Crossbar Lock. Designed by Lucas Burnley, it is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.

Böker presents new knives at Shot Show 2025 in Las Vegas

Every knife lover knows that it's all about the steel: it can make or break a knife. Literally! One of the newest and most promising types of knife steel is **CPM MagnaCut**. This steel combines superior performance with impressive durability. In this article, we dive into the world of CPM MagnaCut, and discover what makes it so special.

## Origin and history of MagnaCut

CPM MagnaCut was developed by Dr Larrin Thomas, a metallurgist who has dedicated his career to improving knife steel. He is known for his blog 'KnifeSteelNerds', he has written several books on knife steel, and he is the son of famous damascus smith Devin Thomas.

Inspired by the limitations of existing steels, Dr Thomas set out to create a steel that is not only corrosion-resistant and tough, but also offers excellent hardness and wear resistance. His creation, CPM MagnaCut, was introduced in 2021 and it has rapidly gained popularity among knife makers and knife enthusiasts.

## Advantages of MagnaCut for you

Why choose CPM MagnaCut steel? Here are some key advantages offered by this steel:

### Excellent wear resistance

MagnaCut's sharpness retention is very impressive. As a result, you won’t have to sharpen it as often as other types of steel, which increases the knife's lifespan.

### Fantastic corrosion resistance

Whether you're camping in humid conditions or using your knife in the kitchen every day, MagnaCut offers superior protection against rust. This is ideal for outdoor conditions where you don't have time to do maintenance.

### Tough and strong

This steel is designed to withstand breaking and chipping even under heavy loads, perfect for heavy-duty tasks.

### Versatility

Thanks to the balance between hardness and toughness, MagnaCut is suitable for both pocket knives and fixed blades, including hunting knives.

CPM MagnaCut steel: The future of knife steel

## Suncraft Senzo Classic and Senzo Black
Suncraft introduced different collections, to make sure every chef will find the collection that will suit him/her best. The Knivesantools range is enhanced with the Senzo Classic, Senzo Black, Senzo Twisted Octagon and Elegancia collections. The Suncraft Senzo Black series is characterized by its dark colour scheme. The blade is made from Damascus steel and a core of Japanese VG10 steel. The handle is made from pakka wood and has a 'Wa-style' octagonal shape. The Senzo Classic is enhanced with a stainless damascus steel blade and a VG10 steel core. The handle is made from pakka wood.

New: Suncraft

### Beautifully marked steel and handle


The Eden Classic Damast series is made of Japanese damascus steel, which has stunning markings. The handle matches in style and is made of a composite material consisting of linen and resin.


### Hard and wear resistant AUS-10 steel!


The core of the blade, which is the edge with which you cut, is actually very hard and stainless AUS-10 steel (hardness 60° on the Rockwell scale). This hard and strong steel ensures that the knives stay sharp for a long time.


### Perfect cutting properties


In addition to the beautiful appearance, the blade has excellent cutting properties. The knives from the Eden Quality Classic Damast series are sharpened to perfection.

Eden kitchen knives: top quality, great value for money

CIVIVI Pragma:
This model stands out with its aluminum handle featuring an integrated carabiner and bottle opener, available in various colors and blade materials like Damascus and Nitro-V steel.

CIVIVI Hid:
Equipped with a G10 handle and a robust 14C28N steel blade, perfect for versatile use with a solid grip.

These premium knives are now available on our website!

New premium WE Knife and CIVIVI knives now available!

## Miyabi 5000MCD 67 series 

The Miyabi 5000MCD 67 collection combines magnificent design with high-quality materials. The knives in this series are made of 132-layer damascus steel surrounding a core layer of MC66 powder steel. These damascus layers give the series its unique markings that are clearly visible on the matted blade. The handle is made of unique Black Ash Wood. A dark type of wood with wild markings and almost golden accents. The steel has been ice-hardened at -196 degrees Celsius to achieve extreme hardness. Finally, the Japanese knives are manually sharpened in the traditional Honbazuke method. 

[Discover the Miyabi 5000MCD 67 collection](kato://category/miyabi5000mcd67)

Line-up: Miyabi

## 2\. Mcusta MC-0037 Shinra Katana

The epitome of understated design. From a distance, you'll see sleek lines and loads of shades of grey. Up close, you'll see that both the blade and the handle are made from damascus. Very stylish.

Gearmix: gentleman's knives

A [bread knife](kato://category/breadknivesprodp) can be used for many things other than just cutting bread. Really? Yes! The serrated edge can handle hard vegetables and fruit such as melons, pumpkins and celeriac. We were curious to find out which bread knives would suit us best. These are four of our favourites!

## Eden Classic Damast bread knife

The [Eden Classic Damast bread knife](kato://product/EQ2030-220) has the best price-quality ratio. The classic serrations easily cut through the bread. The serrations do not extend all the way to the tip. This was deliberately done; you want to use that tip to cut through the last part of the crust. And that works best if the tip is smooth!

## Kai Shun Classic bread knife

This [Kai Shun Classic](kato://product/KADM705) came out best in our test! The serrations have a wavy shape. As such, this knife will easily cut through hard bread. In addition, the knife also looks amazing thanks to its damascus steel blade.

Line-up: bread knives

Richard Rogers lives on a ranch in New Mexico with his wife and son. He keeps livestock and has his workshop here. However, Richard is not a typical cowboy. Since 1996, he has been making handmade knives. First he started with hunting knives, and later with traditional slipjoints.

## Modern knives made from premium materials

Today he makes premium EDC gear, knives with liner locks and slipjoints with a double detent. Modern interpretations of the knives he started out with. By hand, but also mid-tech under his own name, in collaboration with renowned brands such as the Chinese Bestech. These knives are made from premium materials such as Damascus steel, Timascus and special types of wood and carbon fibres. His designs are clean and sophisticated.

> “I try to design knives with clean lines. I like knives that are slim and light, something that you can carry without noticing it until you need to cut something. I am constantly refining existing designs, and trying new things. I strive for excellence in my work. Every knife should work and cut well. My goal, with every knife I make, is to make it the best example of what that knife should be.”

## A big name in the industry

Years of experience in the knife world make Richard Rogers one of the leading designers in the industry. With no fewer than 50 awards, including two Best of Show awards from Blade Show Atlanta, it's no wonder that many popular pocket knives were designed by him.

Richard Rogers mainly works with the American [CRKT (Colombia River Knife & Tool)](kato://content/migrated_pageid_337). You know his name from the popular [CRKT CEO series](kato://category/crktceo) and knives like the [CRKT Montosa](kato://product/CK-7115) and the [CRKT Dually](kato://product/CK-7086). These production knives are often based on his handmade knives, as you can see in the pictures below.

Richard Rogers: designer of the CRKT CEO series

## Pocket knives with an innovative style and practical design

Whether you prefer sleek and streamlined or complex and eye-catching, NOC Knives has something for everyone. Ever seen a pocket knife with magnetically hidden hardware? Or a futuristic karambit with a wave opener and a titanium frame? We haven’t — especially not at this price point. NOC uses well-known premium materials like M390 steel, damascus, and titanium, without costing you a fortune. From EDC to collectible: each knife is packed with smart details you’d normally only see in high-end models.

NOC Knives: pocket knives with an innovative style and practical design

In the spring of 2021 [Böker](kato://content/migrated_pageid_292) will once again release a massive amount of new knives. Cool traditionals that were made in Solingen, Germany. And affordable options from Asia in the [Plus collection](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1019). We made a list of our favourite knives.


## Böker Manufaktur: traditionals from Solingen


We are happy Böker will continue to expand the successful line of, in Solingen produced, traditionals. Our favourite is the Böker Barlow. It is for a reason we had a [Knivesandtools Exclusive](kato://product/BO100502) made of this exact knife. This year Böker has also introduced a couple cool Barlows. In the image listed above you, for instance, see the Böker Barlow Integrals. With micarta liners and bolsters from one piece. As such the total weight has been reduced with another 20 grams. These knives only weigh 30 grams! Modern, but still traditional.


## Böker Barlow Leopard


Another cool Barlow is the one depicted in the image below. A super premium option with integral micarta bolster, desert ironwood handle and a blade made from Leopard damascus. This damascus steel was forged from the barrel of a Leopard tank by Chad Nichols. Very cool!

New Böker knives for 2021

## Eden Classic Damast carving knife

When you want to cut a (thin) slice of meat you use a carving knife. Whether you are cutting poultry or any other type of meat, this knife is indispensable. A carving knife is enhanced with an extra-low blade to make sure you have less contact surface between the meat and the knife. As such the slices don't stick to the blade. The razor-sharp knife nicely cuts the meat without tearing it. As such the flavour is maintained as well. We chose the [Eden Classic Damast carving knife](kato://product/EQ2030-120) for our line-up. And it is not only a top-quality product, it also looks amazing. The damascus leaves a nice pattern on the blade.

Please note: you should only use a carving knife to cut meat. You cannot cut through bones with the thin blade. For the bones you need a heavy-duty tool.

[Check out all carving knives](kato://category/carvingknifeproduct)

## Zwilling Twin Select poultry shears ZW42931-000-0

We also added the before mentioned heavy-duty tool to our line-up in the form of the [Zwilling Twin Select poultry shears](kato://product/ZW42931-000-0). Poultry shears are designed as such they can cut through, for instance, bones, tendons and joints of poultry. The leverage effect of the shears is enhanced by the slightly curved shape. It ensures you don't have to apply too much pressure.

You won't easily hurt yourself with the Zwilling Twin Select poultry shears. The sharp blades of the scissors are enhanced with a serrated edge. These serrations ensure that you have more grip over the product you cut. As such the chances of you slipping are a lot smaller. Thanks to the safety hook the scissors won't accidentally open. After use you, of course, properly want to clean the shears. This is also a piece of cake, because you can easily take the shears apart to clean them by hand.

[Check out all poultry shears](kato://category/scissorspoultry)

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