Damascus steel for knives?

[Don Armstrong]

I am thinking of buying a knife for a hunting knife. I only have about 5 now    . I was wondering what are the advantages to damascus steel over other steels. I want a knife that is fairly rust resistence but holding an edge is the main thing. Thanks, Don

[Doug Campbell]

Damascus steel wont neccesarily cut a bit better than a well made carbon steel knife but it sure does look cooler...    

Pretty much any carbon steel will rust but under normal use with a little care there is no reason for it to be a problem. If you are around salt water a lot of some kind of other "harsh" environment you should maybe consider stainless of which I no next to nothing.

Doug

[Ragnarok Forge]

Modern damascus steel is no better or worse than a mono steel blade.  Figure out a price range and buy from a good bladesmith.