|
Post by alessacat on Jan 23, 2020 12:57:17 GMT
Hi! I'm new here, and am looking for some advice. I came across this sword (link below) listed for sale. The listing describes the sword as 'damascus'. Going by the pitcures and my fairly limited knowledge, I'm fairly sure it isn't. But what is it? Does anyone know what technique might have been used to create the pattern in the centre of the blade, and does this provide any clues as to the material and method used to create the blade?
|
|
Scott
Member
Posts: 1,676
|
Post by Scott on Jan 23, 2020 13:04:07 GMT
Looks like the pattern is etched on. The description says nothing about Damascus, just that's it's made of 'steel 420'.
|
|
|
Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Jan 23, 2020 14:41:20 GMT
"Damascus Tai Chi Sword" The term "Damascus" has different meanings. Here they write "decorated" which probably means etched/stamped in like on many repro sabers with blade deco.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Thorfinn on Jan 23, 2020 15:26:53 GMT
And I think the '420' is a stainless steel. Hard pass if you plan to do anything but hang it on the wall.
|
|
|
Post by unistat76 on Jan 25, 2020 16:49:01 GMT
420 is indeed a stainless steel. Buck Knives uses it quite a bit, and because they have an excellent heat treat, they use it well.
I would be extremely hesitant to buy 420 knives from anyone but Buck.
I wouldn't buy a 420 knife greater than 5" in length from anyone.
|
|
reptaronice1
Member
Tell Me... Friend... When Did Saruman The Wise Abandon Reason For Madness?!
Posts: 2,360
|
Post by reptaronice1 on Jan 27, 2020 7:21:14 GMT
Personally I wouldn’t buy any sword listed as “Damascus” unless it was made by a well known and reputable company. 1. It is stamped or 2. It is folded and probably has voids and a bad heat treat. At that price no way for me personally.
|
|
|
Post by pvsampson on Jan 27, 2020 9:07:27 GMT
It is a Tai Chi sword and they are commonly made from stainless. They are blunt and not used for cutting so is not an issue and also have rat tail tangs spot welded on and many of them are etched or engraved as they are purely for slow moving forms and people want them to look pretty.Also being stainless the millions that are used around the world need no maintenance and can be put straight into the scabbard after use with no worries. They do not need tempering as they are for Tai Chi. I have a stainless one myself that I use for my 32 form every day.
|
|