Never used one of their knives or any damascus for that matter, but they've been making and selling them for years. I can't recall ever hearing any complaint about them. Like always, it depends a lot on the steels used and the heattreat that determines how good they are. I've only made one damascus blade, and that was one I bought through Damascus USA. The blade was made in Pakistan, and the Rockwell(hardness) of the blade was so low that it couldn't really be sharpened. The customer bought it anyway..at a considerably reduced price. If possible, contact Bear & Sons, or possibly the seller.....if he can be trusted, and ask some questions first. Blade should have a Rockwell of at least 56-57 to be useful.