Damascus Knife Gift Ideas

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A Damascus knife is a gift that lasts for years and shows up at every meal. Here is our selection for gifting: sets of 3 or 4 knives, a chef knife from each of our 7 series and knives with abalone handles. For tips on choosing, read our guide to giving a knife as a gift.

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Buying guide

Which Damascus knife should you give?

For a first knife, an 8-inch chef knife is the most versatile: it slices, minces and carves. For someone who cooks a lot, a set of 3 or 4 knives from the same series covers every task, from vegetables to bread. For someone who loves beautiful objects, the Iris series with abalone handles is the most striking.

What budget?

Our gift knives start at $99 for a chef knife. Sets cost $189 to $329, less than the same knives bought separately. All have a 10Cr15CoMoV stainless steel core with a stated hardness of 60 ± 2 HRC.

Delivered ready to give

Every knife comes in its box with a blade guard. Tracked shipping is free, and returns are free for 30 days: if the knife is not right, you get a full refund.

Questions

Before you buy

When should I order a Damascus knife for Christmas?

For delivery in the United States before Christmas, order by December 1. Allow 1 to 3 days of preparation and 8 to 14 business days of shipping.

Is it bad luck to give a knife?

An old tradition says a knife given as a gift "cuts" the friendship, so the person who receives it gives back a coin. It is a fun gesture to include with the gift.

Can the knife be returned if it is not right?

Yes. You have 30 days from delivery to return it for free: we send a prepaid return label. The knife must be unused and in its box.

Which Damascus knife for someone who loves to cook?

It depends on how they cook: a chef knife for everything, a santoku for vegetables, a set to equip the whole kitchen. The handle (wood, colorful resin, abalone, copper) then makes the difference.

Do I need to oil my Damascus knife?

You only need to oil a Damascus knife regularly if the blade is carbon steel or the handle is unfinished wood. A thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil protects against moisture. Stainless Damascus needs oil only now and then, for storage. Avoid WD-40 and cooking oils that turn sticky on a kitchen knife.

Can Damascus knives go in the dishwasher?

No, Damascus knives should never go in the dishwasher. Heat, long exposure to moisture and harsh detergents dull the pattern, encourage rust and damage the handle. The blade also knocks against dishes and loses its edge. Hand-washing with warm soapy water and drying immediately takes under a minute and keeps the knife in shape.

Can you sharpen a Damascus knife?

Yes, you can sharpen a Damascus knife like any kitchen knife, ideally on a whetstone. A medium grit around 1000 rebuilds the edge and a finer stone polishes it. Japanese-style blades are usually sharpened at a lower angle than Western knives. Skip pull-through sharpeners, which are too harsh for hard steel, and use a ceramic honing rod between sessions.

Which Japanese-style knife should I buy first?

The best first Japanese-style knife is a chef knife (gyuto) or a santoku. Both slice, dice and chop meat, fish and vegetables, so one blade covers most daily cooking. Pick a gyuto if you like a longer blade and rocking cuts, a santoku if you prefer a shorter, lighter knife. Add a nakiri later if you cook a lot of vegetables.