Sorry if I came across a bit strong in that last post, no offense intended to anyone. Anyway, while digging into Rab's website a little deeper, the damascus I ordered was apparently made in Mumbai, which is a major damascus producing area. I'll find out the quality of steel when I sharpen and test it, but that will be the final step, of course.

There is an old method of testing the edge-holding ability of a blade...cutting cardboard. The longer it cuts before dulling, the better.