For $40 I have doubts if a local built it, unless taking a Pakistani Damascus blade and putting a handle on it is considered making it. To forge a real Damascus blade takes hours of work and the builder would be working for less than minimum wage at that price.

I would definitely keep oil on the blade, or a good wax job, and clean it frequently. I like Damascus, it can be beautiful, and the more intricate the pattern the more work it is to create.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244