I have a number of Damascus knives.

Now I bought two on the internet which looked good in the photos but when they arrived, I found the "damascus" "folds" or layers can actually be felt, as ridges on the blades. They were quite cheap compared to normal damascus blades purchased here in Australia.

Can I ask does anyone here know why the layers can be felt? As compared to the more normal smooth polished surface on my other quality blades?

Is the damascus on these blades fake? ie only etched on the surface and "coloured"?

If it is real damascus, is there a process for creating this effect. I think I once read about using a chemical or acid on the blades surface which presumably eats away more at the softer steels of a damascus blade creating this effect.

Anyone know?

Or a good knife forum where I can ask?

I am in the market for a new knife or two, and if in the end the damascus is fake, won't really worry me, as one of the knives is quite nice anyway.

BTW I was once in India and asked a guy making and selling "damascus" knives, how he made the blades or steel, and he said the effect was engraved on the surface, "how else do you make a damascus blade?" he asked.

I bought two of them anyway as they were very very cheap and had interesting grips or handles, one with an elephant head pommel. The other I forget ...