Description
The proportions here are the ones that made this pattern popular in the first place: a short working edge on a full-size grip, with nothing wasted on either.
| Overall length | 7 inches |
| Blade length | 3 inches |
| Handle length | 4 inches |
| Handle | Black horn scales with Damascus bolsters, brass liners and a mosaic pin |
| 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 |
Reach for it when: you need a real cutting edge in a pocket. Cord, tape, packaging, food at a tailgate, a stubborn zip tie. Three inches is enough blade to do work and short enough to stay welcome almost anywhere. This is one of our better-selling folders and that is mostly down to the size being right rather than anything exotic.
A four-inch handle is the underrated part
Plenty of three-inch folders sit on a handle barely longer than the blade, which leaves your little finger hanging off the end. Four inches gives you a full four-finger grip, and that is what lets you put weight behind a cut without the knife rolling in your hand. It also means the closed knife is longer in the pocket than a compact folder. That is the trade you are making, and for most people it is the right one.
Folder or fixed blade
A folder gives you a knife you will actually carry. A fixed blade gives you a knife that cannot fail at the pivot, cleans in seconds, and takes lateral force without complaint. If your cutting happens at a desk, in a car or around the house, the folder wins on carry alone. If it happens in the field with wet or bloody hands, a fixed blade with the same three-inch edge, like the Jaguar hunting fixed blade, is the more sensible tool. The EDC knife selection guide works through the decision.
What three hundred and fifty-two layers actually gets you
The layer count is a description of the billet, not a performance rating. Folding 1095 and 15N20 together and drawing them out that many times produces the visible figure and gives you a blade with alternating bands of two steels that harden slightly differently. What determines how the knife cuts is the heat treatment and the geometry, and the hardness figure above is the number to look at for that. Anyone who tells you more layers cuts better is selling something. The explanation of 352-layer Damascus covers what the number does and does not mean.
Ownership questions
How often will it need sharpening? With ordinary pocket use, a strop every few weeks and a stone two or three times a year.
Will it rust in my pocket? It can, if you close it wet. Dry the blade before you fold it.
Does it have a pocket clip? Check the images for the exact configuration on this model before ordering.
Model: BMK-823
Andy (store manager) –
Absolutely gorgeous blade. I love the straight edges, makes sharpening easy. Ironically I was disappointed the picture didn’t have a pocket clip shown, however when it arrived it did have a pocket clip! I really got lucky this manufacturer is awesome!
Dean (verified owner) –
This is such a fantastic pocket knife! I’ve honestly never seen such a beautiful blade. The knife is pretty heavy duty too, not some flimsy cheap product. Super happy with my Beetle!
Richard P.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a passionate home cook, and the Damascus knife I purchased has become my kitchen companion. Its sharpness and precision elevate my dishes, and its stunning design elevates my cooking experience. I can’t imagine cooking without it.”
John D.: (verified owner) –
“I’ve been collecting knives for years, and the Damascus knife I recently added to my collection is a showstopper. Its sharpness and craftsmanship are unparalleled, and it’s the centerpiece of my knife display.”
Rebecca S.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a food critic, and I’ve had the privilege of dining in some of the finest restaurants. The Damascus knife I use at home matches the quality of knives I’ve encountered in top-notch establishments. It’s a cut above the rest.”
Michael G.: (verified owner) –
“I received a Damascus knife as a housewarming gift, and it’s the best gift I could have asked for. Its sharpness and precision make it a joy to cook with, and its unique patterns make it a piece of functional art.”
Jessica H.: (verified owner) –
“I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but my steel knife has taken my culinary skills to the next level. It’s sharp, comfortable to hold, and versatile. It’s the kind of knife that makes you feel like a chef in your own kitchen.”
Kathryn Trujillo (verified owner) –
Mark’s customer service was top notch! He personally called me on the phone to discuss the issue with the first knife I received. Within 2 days I had a new knife on my doorstep! He was very attentive to my concerns and willing to send a new knife without any hesitation. Customer service like this is hard to come by these days. Thankful for Mark and I know my husband will be thankful for his beautiful knife on Christmas morning!
Kevin R.: (verified owner) –
“I’m a professional sushi chef, and precision is crucial in my work. The Damascus knife I use for slicing sashimi is a game-changer. Its sharpness and balance allow me to create perfect, delicate slices every time.”
Sarah L.: (verified owner) –
“I bought a Damascus knife for my daughter, who’s an aspiring chef, and it has become her most cherished possession. She loves its sharpness and the way it effortlessly handles intricate cuts. It’s a knife that fuels her culinary dreams.”
Daniel M.: (verified owner) –
“I recently hosted a dinner party, and my guests couldn’t stop raving about the food. I credit the success to my steel knife, which made slicing and serving a breeze. It’s a conversation starter and a kitchen essential.”
Colleen Fleming (verified owner) –
Haven’t received my knife yet. Pretty disappointed. Tried to contact you guys, but haven’t got a response. Just wondering what the heck is going on.———-on the UPS website. It is still telling me that only a label has been created. Has it been shipped? I don’t get it. I don’t think the snow has been that bad not happy.Colleen😏Fleming
Miguel Davis –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. Great buy overall.
Margaret Davis –
This is one of those purchases that just makes you smile. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Already thinking about what to order next from this shop.
Malik Bishop –
Absolutely really impressed by this pocket knife.
Dennis Adams –
Honestly one of my better purchases in a while. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. Already added a few more items from this seller to my cart.
Xavier Cook –
The moment I saw this in person I knew it was a keeper. Nice to support a Memphis based knife maker, shipping was fast even internationally. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. Happy customer here, through and through.
Nicholas Moore –
Good quality pocket knife for the price.
Melissa Peterson –
Perfect gift. Perfect quality. No complaints. Black Mamba Knives keeps setting the bar higher with each order.
Lisa Carter –
Knew this pocket knife was special the second I opened the box. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. This is my new favorite in the collection.
Justin Nelson –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Can’t wait to see what else this maker has to offer.
Patrick Phillips –
Knew this pocket knife was special the second I opened the box. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. So worth it.
Melissa Baker –
Impressively made craftsmanship on this one. Made in the USA right in Memphis, and it shipped worldwide without any long wait. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. So worth it.
Carol Sanders –
Got this as a groomsman gift and it exceeded what I expected. Action smoothed out even more after a few days of carry. Already telling my friends to check this out.
Jacob Scott –
Been eyeing this pocket knife for forever it feels like and it did not disappoint. Definitely bookmarking this store for future orders.
Jeffrey Perez –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Peter Stewart –
Ordering again from this seller the second I finish writing this review. This has become my daily carry piece without question. This will not be my last order from this company.
William Rivera –
Perfect gift. Perfect quality. No complaints. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. Would not hesitate to order again.
Amy Jefferson –
Got this as a housewarming gift and it exceeded what I expected. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. Proud to support American made goods out of Memphis with this purchase. Can’t recommend this enough.
Emma Bryant –
No regrets on this purchase at all. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. Great buy overall.
Xavier Collins –
This pocket knife is seriously nice. No question about it. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Love that this comes out of Memphis and still ships worldwide this quickly. Already thinking about what to order next from this shop.
Devin Simmons –
Average quality for the price honestly.
Michelle Smith –
This thing is a beast in the best way. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. Already telling my friends to check this out.
Carol Vance –
Feels way more premium than the price suggests. This is why Black Mamba Knives is my go to for anything knife related. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. 10/10 would buy again.
Rebecca Johnson –
Happy with this one for the most part. Been ordering from Black Mamba Knives for a while now and this fits the pattern. Nice that it’s US made out of Memphis with solid shipping times.
Diego Diaz –
Not going to lie. This exceeded my expectations by a lot.
Donald Wood –
Ended up ordering a second one after how happy I was with the first. Every piece I’ve gotten from Black Mamba Knives has been solid. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Worth every penny.