I've used Damasteel in some of my knives. It is very clean and a very good product. It is no different than a contiguous steel. The manufacturing process is the same as any other powdered steel, with the exception of how the powder is arranged in the crucible prior to hot isostatic pressing to make it a solid billet. The powdered metalurgy process actually makes a superior steel due to very even distribution of the alloy elements and finer grain size in the steel. This reults in far less stress internal to the steel, and better wear resistance. Fine grain and low stress also makes toughness increase a significant amount. All this is said to remove any concern over traditional damascus issues. Damasteel is a good product.