Why Damascus knives are so expensive

• The higher the layer count, the higher the density and the more expensive Damascus steel becomes. 
• Damascus knives are coveted for their striking appearance and craftsmanship. 
• The American Bladesmith Society's master bladesmiths must make a Damascus blade to earn the title.

Quality Damascus knives can cost over $5,000. Their signature swirl pattern comes from layering two different alloys and folding them over each other, sometimes resulting in thousands of layers. This can take master smiths a month, and that intense labor accounts for much of the final price.