flaw and strength

[paintitred]

i dont know if this is the right forum to ask this. but here it goes anyway. i recently purchased a knife blade blank made out of 1095 and 15n20. on one side of the blade theres a spot that looks like it had scale trapped in between the layers when welded and showed its self when ground it has a gap between the layers. is this normal? should i throw the blank away or would it likely be fine as far as strength? this is my first damascus blade i have no idea about such things. the blade has already been heat treated and did not crack or anything. thanks in advance.
brandon

[Ed Caffrey]

Thats definitely a flaw in the steel. If it were me, I would contact the individual that I purchased it from and ask for a refund or a replacement billet. Any reputable damascus maker will gladly replace a flawed billet, or refund the purchase price. Anyone who makes damascus will have a flaw show up every now and then, and a standing warranty is an absolute must as far as I'm concerned....... If they won't replace the billet or refund your money, then DON'T deal with that individual.

If its a knife that you intent to keep, and you can tolerate the flaw, then the choice is yours. If the knife is intended for sale, DON'T. Structurally the blade may be sound, but the bottom line is that with the type of flaw you described, its considered major.

[mete]

An actual gap or entrapped scale is a major problem therefore a reject. They should replace it.

[paintitred]

thank you. i will contact him. if he wont do anything about it i will just make up the knife for myself and use it as a shop knife.and discontinue dealing with him. i just didnt want to call and complain if it was a normal thing. you have been very helpful. thanks
brandon