Knives comes in all shapes and sizes but the sheer variety won’t stop many EDC enthusiasts from the same end: a collection of blades that all look, well … the same. That’s where Damascus comes in.
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To make Damascus steel, blacksmiths weld different types of steels together and work them into folded layers — hence its unique wavy pattern. But the appeal of Damascus steel goes far beyond undulating ripples and an eye-catching aesthetic.
Centuries-old, the technique of crafting Damascus steel was once lost to history; it became renowned during the period of Alexander the Great and fell into obscurity, only to be resurrected in the late 20th century with the help of two Stanford metallurgists.
While every blade is different, Damascus steel is highly regarded for its hardness, flexibility and ability to maintain a sharp edge. The only catch? The premium construction often comes with a premium price tag, so expect to pay extra for some of the best knives money can buy.
Best Overall Damascus Pocket Knife
The James Brand The Carter
Specs
| Blade Style | Drop point |
| Handle Material | Micarta |
| Overall Length | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 3 ounces |
The Carter is well-known for being both beautiful and useful, and the Damascus-and-micarta version ups the ante quite a bit. The James Brand built its Damascus knife with a drop point blade, while its handle has micarta scales to cut weight and add durability.
Additional features to mention include the ambidextrous thumb stud, which makes left or right-hand opening a breeze, as well as the multiple sizes available for large and small hands. The blade is also available in both serrated and straight options, lending flexibility to those with varying tasks.
Best Upgrade Damascus Knife
Böker Barlow BFF Damast
Specs
| Blade Style | Clip point |
| Handle Material | Bog oak wood |
| Overall Length | 6 inches |
| Weight | 2.19 ounces |
Designed by Lucas Burnley, the Barlow BFF Damast is about as handy as they come. The full-tang fixed blade is made with utility and finesse in mind — Burnley designed it to marry the historical roots of the Barlow with more modern sensibilities; details include the Damascus blade made with 150 layers and the bog-oak handle constructed from scales of 5,000-year-old wood.
The hollow copper studs at the butt of the knife serve not only as a detail of visual interest but also as a lanyard hole. If you’re looking for a handmade fixed blade that will lend a little class and a lot of functionality to your collection, you won’t go wrong with this pick.
Best Budget Damascus Knife
Civivi Elementum
Specs
| Blade Style | Drop point |
| Handle Material | Carbon fiber |
| Overall Length | 6.99 inches |
| Weight | 2.74 ounces |
- $98 AT KNIFE CENTER
$115(15% off)
This knife features a speckled carbon fiber handle that’s arguably as enticing as its Damascus blade — and there’s plenty of substance under its surface.
The ergonomic, mid-sized folding knife comes with a stainless steel liner lock mechanism, a contoured handle for excellent grip and a right carry pocket clip and lanyard for easy carry.
Most Traditional Damascus Knife
Nagao Higonokami Damascus Friction Folder
Specs
| Blade Style | 6.99 inches |
| Handle Material | Folded brass |
| Overall Length | 6.34 inches |
| Weight | 2 ounces |
- $220 AT BLADE HQ
$310(29% off)
One of the more traditional-looking knives on this list, the Damascus Friction Folder by Nagao Higonokami combines simplicity and elegance into one slim design. The friction folder features a 3.0-inch Damascus blade that, when folded, is completely covered by its brass handle. There’s also kanji (Japanese lettering) stamped into the side of the folded sheet of brass, which pays homage to its design origin.
The reverse tanto blade is an excellent choice for chopping and carving, and for collectors, the overall design is a classic that shouldn’t be passed up.
Most Unique Damascus Knife
Spyderco SpyOpera Carbon Fiber Thor Damascus
Specs
| Blade Style | Drop point |
| Handle Material | Carbon fiber |
| Overall Length | 6.9 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 ounces |
Infusing the classic Spyopera (one of the most beloved EDC knives to date) with refined elements and materials, the Spyopera Carbon Fiber Thor Damascus brings this well-known knife to the next level.
The blade is made with Thor pattern martensitic Damascus steel crafted by Swedish firm Damasteel, which uses a proprietary process to blend together layers of RWL 34 and PMC 27 steel into one intricate blade. The handle is made with carbon fiber scales, and the lockback mechanism keeps fingers safe during use.
Best Splurge Damascus Knife
Microtech Combat Troodon D/E SS OTF Ultem
Specs
| Blade Style | Dagger |
| Handle Material | Ultem, aluminum |
| Overall Length | 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.52 ounces |
Microtech’s Combat Troodon was already one of the most lauded OTF knives on the market but this upscale version kicks it into high gear with its DLC black Damascus steel double-edged dagger blade and hybrid Ultem-aluminum handle. And thanks to its double-action OTF mechanism, it’s surprisingly lightweight and discreet compared to other knives with a similar overall length.
When you pair all that with its other features, like the glass breaker tip, you can start to understand what all the hype is about. This is an overbuilt knife, to be sure … but in all the best ways.
Best Sheepsfoot Damascus Knife
Kansept Knives Convict
Specs
| Blade Style | Sheepsfoot |
| Handle Material | Micarta |
| Overall Length | 7.6 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 ounces |
Designed by Chris Conaway, founder of Sheepdog Knives, this version of his popular silhouette is a more budget-friendly version than its predecessor — which is great for anyone who wants a quality knife, at a more affordable price.
The Convict Liner Lock features a lightweight micarta handle and a super sharp sheepsfoot blade — perfect for slicing. At 3.5 ounces, it’s right in the middle in terms of weight, thanks to minimal materials and its liner lock construction.
If you’re looking for a pocket knife that can be useful in both everyday and emergency situations, this is a fantastic choice.
Bonus: Best Kitchen Knife with Damascus Blade
Tojiro Pro Flash Chef Knife
Specs
| Blade Style | Chef’s knife |
| Handle Material | Reinforced laminate |
| Overall Length | 15.478 inches |
| Weight | ~10 ounces |
- $279 AT HOUSE OF KNIVES
$442.02(37% off)
Thought of as one of the best chef’s knives on the market, the 270mm Flash by Tojiro blends together two high-performing steels to create its elegant and unique Damascus pattern, while retaining a core of VG10 steel to maintain maximum sharpness.
Crafted with utility in mind, you can use this chef’s knife for mincing, slicing meat, and other kitchen tasks — and with its lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, you can do it all with peace of mind.
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