Damascus steel blades can be artisan-crafted, but can also lose their fine edge in a matter of just a couple of months. Inexperienced sharpeners should avoid sharpening Damascus steel for practice. Hand-sharpening with pocket knives and cheap knives can build up experience.
Professional and adept Damascus steel sharpeners will use whetstone made out of ceramic, diamond, or other coarse materials. Power-operated sharpeners can lack the precision of hand sharpening Damascus steel.
William Henry recommends pocket knives be sharpened every 18 to 24 months. The designer charges a nominal fee to sharpen blades. Pocket knife collectors without any experience in sharpening can trust original designers to restore the blade’s razor-sharp edge.
