The Story of Knife Steel: Innovators Behind Modern Damascus and Super Steels

I finished the book over the weekend, It was quite a good read I think it has something amazing for every type of knife enthusiast. It’s a really impressive work both in terms of the quality of writing, the amount of research that must have been done, and how Larrin was able to weave science, history, and biographies together into this story of knife steel. I personally enjoyed the history of steel development, the struggle to get a worthy stainless into knives and razors was fascinating to me as was the development of tool steel. It really makes me appreciative of my custom in CPM Magna-Cut as well as humble steels like 440C and 8Cr13MoV knowing the struggle to it took get there. I also think it’s nuts that some early speed steels had something like 20% Tungsten. I can’t list the number of cool facts about steel development that I learned. For others who are not so inclined towards materials science, I think that the biographies of the pioneers of steel development, founders of major knife companies that came from humble origins, and the custom knife makers that pushed the boundries of the art are fascinating. The pictures of historical knives from this history are really amazing to see particularly the Damascus knives. seeing development of pattern welded Damascus techniques knife by knife is incredible. One of the most impressive things to read are how the book chronicles the growth of our community, and how knife-maker worked together and competed to push the industry forward. I really enjoyed reading about Bill Moran and Bob Loveless, and their massive influence on modern knife making and generations of knife makers. The book is like a bible for knife AFIs, it has so much important stuff documented in it, and tells the story of our community. side note: an independent take away that I have is that one of the reasons that we can enjoy crazy steels treated hard today is because of the proliferation of modern abrasives, and inexpensive diamond plates for sharpening.

I thought Dr. Thomas' first book, "Knife Engineering" was already the best thing to happen to the knifemaking industry in recent times, so I had high expectations for this book, but it surpassed all of them! So amazing. I can't imagine how much work he put into researching the history of steel alloys in particular, and I found it fascinating! Just the first part of the book would have been worth the price, but then the second half that was more about damascus in particular was the icing on top! So many valuable insights and bits of information, as well as excellent details about the various aspects of forging damascus from the absolute best minds in the game! I'm already looking forward to re-reading it. My only regret was not spending as few extra bucks for the hardback edition, since I'm certainly going to wear my copy out with repeated handling over time (although it's well bound).

It is clear while reading this book that Larrin has spent a massive amount of time researching and citing the historical significance of blade steel and it’s evolution. Each chapter is packed with detail, but is also very readable. The citation provide a wealth of additional reading potential for the ravenous knife and steel nerd. Seriously, the book is worth the investment, both in your time and money. A must-have addition to the knifemaker, and knife collector library.

I’ve collected knives almost my entire life but have only recently became serious about the hobby and started delving into the upper tier stuff. What’s really fascinated me are the steels so buying this was an easy decision especially since I’ve enjoyed Dr. Thomas’s other book, Knife Engineering, so much. Even though there are is a significant amount of technical data (such as steel compositions) that may go over a layman’s head, it’s still done in a way as not to be confusing. There’s a ton of great information compiled in one easy reference so, if you find knife steel interesting, it’s definitely worth checking out.

This book is phenomenal. The amount of knowledge contained in every page and the amount of research and care that went into the correctness of its contents are next level. Easy to read even when the science gets heavy. Thank you Dr. Larrin for all of your hard work!

A treasure of information and history compiled in a form that is a wonderful resource for anyone with a keen interest to learn about knife steels and the intertwining stories of their developments. I am learning so much from this book!

I've been making knives for 52 years. There have been some really good books written on knife making, but nothing as in depth, and knowledgeable as this one for the layman on the metallurgy involved in making a knife. It's probably the only such book I can recall reading, that suggested the use of a knife steel tuned to the particular use the knife is designed to do. One steel, does not fit all these categories. Just because some steel is easy to grind, or cheap, doesn't mean it is the best for the job at hand. Almost all knife steels will harden to approximately the same level. But harden-ability is not the only thing by far that determines the knife's abilities to keep that edge. Wear resistance, toughness, corrosion resistance, etc., all have their effects. This book treats all these aspects in a form that is truly understandable, and well thought out. It is a shame such a book was not available when I started out. It would of saved a lot of tears.

This book is excellent. It is highly researched to provide a documented history of damascus and super steel alloys. I got the hardbound version. The quality is worth the expense. I will use this book and Knife Engineering as my go to reference books.

Dr. Thomas really gives a deep insight in the development of modern steels. There is a lot of information, but never presented boring or just tiring facts. Very well written and a pleasure to read. Dr. Thomes starts with the very beginning of steel and continues his journey up to the very latest developments of knife steel: the ApexUltra. He also includes the people behind the steels, the explorers and visionaries. Not just for knife steel nerds, but also for the people interested in the history of steel and knifes and the ones that brought us so far. A masterpiece!

Is een cadeau voor Kerstmis dus ik kan er nog niets over zeggen.

Livre très intéressant, technique mais abordable. Va devenir une référence dans le domaine de l'aciérie de coutellerie. L'auteur maîtrise son sujet. Je recommande aussi son autre ouvrage.

This is a fabulous addition to Dr. Larrin Tomas' "Knife Engineering." Anyone interested in knives and metallurgy, or the evolution of materials, whether amateur or professional would enjoy this book. It's written in clear terms with excellent illustrations and understandable tables. Lots of wonderful anecdotes about knife designers and makers past and present.