w trading-custom hand made damascus steel blade professional kitchen knives 8 pcs chef kitchen knife set with leather pouch for storage. wt-1046-8 w trading size: from top to bottom 1: overall 14.6", handle 5" blade 9.6" --------- 2: overall 13", handle 5" blade 8" --------- 3: overall 11.5", handle 5" blade 6.5" --------- 4: overall 12", handle 5" blade 7" --------- 5: overall 11", handle 5" blade 6" --------- 6: overall 11.2", handle 5" blade 6.2" --------- 7: overall 8.7", handle 5" blade 3.7" --------- 1: overall 9", handle 5" blade 4" --------- the high grade damascus steel used for these blades consists of layers of low carbon & high carbon (1095&15n20) mixture welded, forged and hammered several times to obtain up to 200 layers. the hardness of these blades is up to 56 to 58 hrc on the rockwell scale providing sharp edges that are designed for lots of use. precision heat treating methods are employed to provide the sharpest, most enduring edges available. only quality materials have been used to create this beautiful knife. for the collectors this knife is stylish and built to last. how to care for your new knives: ~ store in a dry place, moisture encourages rust. damascus is very easy to clean if rusted but is rust resistant. ~ after use, wash and dry the blade & apply vegetable oil, or any food safe lubricating oil. ~ sometimes damascus steel darkens with age. to brighten up the blade, sand it lengthwise with a worn piece of sand paper. this just hits the raised portions of the etched pattern and makes the blade look brighter. no two items are ever identical; the item you receive may be slightly different to the pictures shown. damascus steel is a refined method of forging steel where the anvil and the hammer determine just what kind of knife is made each time. the use of natural materials i.e., buffalo horn, stag horn, wood and camel bone means that variations in color and slight imperfections may be present but make each knife that much more unique.