Which inlay, blade shape and damascus do you prefer?

[shane]

Going to order a new 21 soon and want this one to have inlays and damascus. Which do you prefer and why? Are some stronger than others?

shane

 

[Therom]

All

 

[nyefmaker]

Hmmmm.... tough call. I have always loved Bocote. Drop point is most useful but Insingo is great also. As for regular Damascus offerings, I like basket weave and ladder.

 

[Ajack60]

My personal favorite Damascus is the ladder pattern. I just like it the best. I doubt one is stronger than the other, it’s just what you’ll like the best. I like micarta inlays, it’s the only inlay CRK will re blast the slabs on. Also, I’ve got more micarta inlays than wood. The wood inlays have polished slabs that attract finger prints. The micarta slabs are blasted. I’m constantly wiping a wood inlay because I want it to stay clean looking.
I did order a 31 with micarta inlays and boomerang Damascus for my first 31. I probably won’t see it for a year or so though.

 

[Lady1911]

I have a preference for bog oak, especially on a user knife, because I’ve found it to be pretty tough and resistant to humidity (on my non-CRK fixed blades). Something about nearly fossilized, very old wood is intriguing for me. I like the look of it as well. Box elder is nice also.

The Insingo blade shape works well for me. The tip is strong, the edge is easier to touch up on a strop, and I feel like I have more usable cutting edge when slicing. YMMV.

As far as Damascus goes, I like ladder and some raindrop. Don’t have enough of them to make a fair comparison, though.

Good luck with your choices!

 

[Dcdavis]

On Damascus I personally like raindrop and ladder. Certain raindrop patterns I like better than ladder. There’s variations in all the raindrop I’ve had. Ladder seems to be more consistent in my experiences.
Personally I go with micarta. I do have wood inlays and I like them, but I don’t work with any of them. I use them but not for work, just regular odds and end things. The wood inlays have a classier look to them while the micarta and blasted slabs look great beat up, worn and worked in my opinion.
As far as blade shape I have both. The drop point I would say would be the best all around shape. I really like the Insingo shape for certain tasks I do at work, great for draw cuts. If I didn’t work in my trade I’d say drop point.
Ive got a natural ladder 31 and black boomerang 31 on order. I also think the plain handle and Damascus is a very good match

 

[sn0wman72]

My favorite combo is: Maple Burl/Drop Point/Raindrop

 

[bart1]

It's my understanding, could be wrong , but if you want a 21 Damascus, you'll have to get it on the used market, as CRK is no longer taking orders. (Trick question?) .I'd love a Boomerang Insingo in Koa Inlay... Brothers gotta have a dream.......

 

[shane]

It's my understanding, could be wrong , but if you want a 21 Damascus, you'll have to get it on the used market, as CRK is no longer taking orders. (Trick question?) .I'd love a Boomerang Insingo in Koa Inlay... Brothers gotta have a dream.......

I am selecting one from KSF because i have some credit there. There are a bunch in stock.

 

[Paulmcj]

I think the look of the Spalted Beech with either the ladder or raindrop is an excellent combo to consider. Love the look of the banding in the spalted beech, and you can find some lighter or darker variations to suit your taste.

 

[Dcdavis]

Here’s you some pics. You can see the variation in the raindrop. Both of those above are Chad Nichols raindrop Damascus and one ladder. The one below is a more loose pattern Devin Thomas raindrop

 

[shane]

I like the fact that bog oak is thousand of years old (doe CR know how old?), but I like the looks of spalted beech more.

 

[shane]

Here’s you some pics.View attachment 1249659 View attachment 1249660 View attachment 1249661 You can see the variation in the raindrop. Both of those above are Chad Nichols raindrop Damascus and one ladder. The one below is a more loose pattern Devin Thomas raindropView attachment 1249662

Very nice.

 

[Dcdavis]

Very nice.

Thank ya. If your getting wood or Damascus I know it helps to see the actual knife your getting instead of just stock photos, With the variations in the wood and the Damascus. You can get a wide range in some of them. If I’m not mistaken I think KSF shows the actual knife and not a stock photo if that’s who your purchasing from.