Description
The Blue Racer Lizard is our reference bellied skinner: a wide, upswept 3.5-inch blade that keeps as much curve as possible in contact with the work.
| Overall length | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.5 inches |
| Handle | Pale bone, a turquoise band and dark hardwood, mosaic pins with a steel cap |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 5.6 oz |
| Pattern | Wind & Mix twist Fire pattern Damascus Blade, Extreme custom Brass File-work |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Suited to: field dressing and caping, where the sweep of the edge does the cutting and the point stays out of the way. The belly is deliberately generous. Rolled along a hide it peels rather than pokes, which is the difference between a clean skin and a punctured one. At 5.6 oz it has enough weight forward to keep working without you pushing.
Care: 1095 and 15N20 are both plain carbon steels, so blood and rain will start a patina within hours. Rinse, dry and oil the blade the same day you use it. The turquoise inlay in the handle is porous stone set in the scale, so keep solvents and ultrasonic cleaners away from it, and give the hardwood section a wipe of paste wax once a season to stop it drying out.
Why the belly matters on a skinner
A straight edge cuts where you press it. A curved edge cuts along its whole length as you draw it, so you cover more hide per stroke and you are far less likely to nick through. That is the entire argument for a bellied profile, and we lay it out properly in the skinning knife guide.
Handle construction
The grip is built in sections: pale bone at the front, a band of turquoise, then dark hardwood to the butt, pinned with mosaic pins and closed with a steel cap. Stacking materials this way is slower than a single slab because every joint has to be flat before the next piece goes on, and any gap shows once the whole grip is sanded round. The sections also give your hand landmarks. In cold or wet conditions you can feel where you are on the handle without looking down, which counts for more than it sounds like when you are working by feel under an animal.
Where it sits against a gut hook
This knife opens an animal with the point and skins with the belly. A dedicated hook does the opening cut for you and skins less well. If that trade appeals, the Nightfall D2 gut hook hunter is the stainless-adjacent alternative, and it needs less babying afterward than carbon Damascus does.
FAQs
Will the blade discolor? Yes, and that is normal. A gray-brown patina forms on carbon steel with use and protects the surface underneath. Damascus knife care explains what to leave alone and what to remove.
Does it arrive with leather? It does — the hand-stitched sheath named in the table travels with the knife.
Can it be resharpened at home? Easily. It takes a normal whetstone and comes back fast at 58 to 60 HRC.
Model: 170
Rebecca G.: (verified owner) –
“I bought a steel knife for my daughter, who is a pastry chef, and she adores it. She appreciates the precision it offers when working with delicate pastries and desserts. It’s a must-have tool in her professional kitchen.”
Samuel L.: (verified owner) –
“I’ve used various knives in my military service, and the Damascus knife I have is among the most reliable. Its durability and sharpness are essential for various tasks, making it a valuable tool in the field.”
Emily F.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a competitive BBQ pitmaster, and my steel knife is my secret weapon for slicing perfect brisket and ribs. Its sharpness ensures clean cuts, and it enhances the presentation of my barbecue creations.”
William M.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a culinary instructor, and the Damascus knife I use in my classes is a standout. Its sharpness and balance make it the perfect teaching tool for demonstrating proper cutting techniques to my students.”
Jessica K.: (verified owner) –
“I received a Damascus knife as a housewarming gift, and it’s become the centerpiece of my kitchen. Its sharpness and beauty are unmatched, and it’s a constant reminder of the warmth and generosity of my friends.”
Daniel R.: (verified owner) –
“I’m an avid gardener, and the Damascus knife I use for harvesting and pruning is a godsend. Its sharpness ensures clean cuts on plants, and its durability makes it a reliable companion in the garden.”
Sarah B.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a baker, and the steel knife I have is perfect for precise cuts on bread and pastries. Its sharpness and comfortable grip make it an essential tool in my daily baking routine.”
Michael H.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a professional fisherman, and the Damascus knife I use for cleaning and filleting fish is unmatched. Its sharpness and flexibility allow me to tackle even the trickiest of fish with ease.”
Rebecca C.: (verified owner) –
“I purchased a steel knife for my son, who is a sous chef, and he swears by its performance. It’s the kind of knife that can handle the demands of a busy restaurant kitchen, and it’s become his go-to tool.”
Thomas K.: (verified owner) –
“I’m an outdoor enthusiast, and the Damascus knife I take with me on hiking and camping trips is a trusty companion. Its sharpness and durability make it a versatile tool for various outdoor tasks.”
Nicole J.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a food scientist, and precision is crucial in my work. The Damascus knife I use for laboratory research is a marvel. Its sharpness allows for precise cuts in food samples, making my experiments more accurate.”
Daniel L.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a seasoned chef, and the Damascus knife I use in my restaurant kitchen is a workhorse. Its sharpness and balance make it an essential tool for delivering consistent and top-quality dishes.”
Emily S.: (verified owner) –
“I bought a steel knife for my father, who is an experienced hunter, and he’s been impressed with its performance. It’s become his go-to tool for field dressing game, and its sharpness is unmatched.”
Christopher M.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a culinary artist, and the Damascus knife I use for my food sculptures is a masterpiece in itself. Its sharpness and precision allow me to create intricate designs that wow both the eyes and the palate.”
Stephanie Bell (verified owner) –
Great quality! Will do business with this company again. 5 stars.