Frequently Asked Questions

About Damascus Steel

What is Damascus steel and how is it different from regular steel?

Damascus steel is created by forge-welding multiple layers of high-carbon and low-carbon steel together, then folding and manipulating them to produce a distinctive wavy, flowing pattern. Unlike regular stainless or carbon steel, Damascus steel combines the hardness of high-carbon steel with the flexibility of softer steel — resulting in a blade that holds a razor-sharp edge while remaining resilient. Each pattern is unique, making every knife one of a kind.

Are your knives really handmade?

Yes. Every blade at Old Forge Blades is hand-forged by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques. From the initial billet to the final edge, each knife is shaped, ground, heat-treated, and finished by hand — no mass production, no shortcuts.

What handle materials do you use?

We use a variety of premium handle materials including stabilized wood (walnut, rosewood, olive wood), buffalo horn, camel bone, and resin composites. Each handle is selected to complement the blade and provide a secure, comfortable grip. Handle material is listed in each product description.

Knife Care

How should I care for my Damascus knife?

To keep your Damascus blade in top condition:

Dry immediately after washing — never leave it wet or soak it.
Hand wash only — dishwashers will damage the blade and handle.
Oil regularly with food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil to prevent rust and preserve the pattern.
Store properly on a magnetic strip, in a sheath, or in a knife block — avoid loose drawers.
Sharpen with a whetstone for best results; avoid pull-through sharpeners.

With proper care, your Damascus knife will last a lifetime and improve with age.

Shipping

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping to the United States, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom on all orders.

How long does shipping take?

Estimated delivery times after dispatch:

United States & Canada: 7–14 business days
Europe & UK: 10–18 business days
Other international destinations: 14–25 business days

You will receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times for destinations outside our free-shipping zones will be calculated at checkout. Please note that import duties or customs fees may apply depending on your country — these are the responsibility of the buyer.

Returns & Refunds

What is your return policy?

We offer a 30-day return policy. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of delivery. Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging. Custom or personalized knives are non-refundable unless there is a defect.

To start a return, please reach out via our Contact Us page.

Custom Orders

Can I request a custom knife?

Yes! We accept custom knife orders. You can specify blade length, handle material, blade style, and other preferences. Custom orders are subject to availability and our current production schedule.

How long does it take to make a custom knife?

Custom knives typically take 4–8 weeks to complete, depending on complexity and current order volume. We will confirm the timeline with you before production begins.

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