Description
The Golden Koi is shaped like the fish it is named for. Closed, the engraved brass body reads as a carp, with scales cut into the metal and burned bone set into the flanks, and the three inch Damascus blade folds away along the belly line.
| Overall length | 7.5 inches |
| Blade length | 3 inches |
| Handle length | 4 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Handle | Engraved Brass with Burned Bone Inlays |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
A novelty shape that still cuts
Most fish-shaped knives are ornaments with an edge attached. This one has a genuine forged blade in it, which changes what you can ask of it. Three inches of high-carbon Damascus will clean a panfish, open a bag of bait or handle lunch on a boat. What it will not do is give you a secure grip in the rain, because brass is heavy, smooth and cold, and the fish profile puts your fingers where the design wants them rather than where a working handle would. Know that before you buy it as a fishing tool. For real fish work a Damascus fish fillet knife has the flex and the grip this cannot offer.
Built for: the fisherman who gets given knives and already owns the practical ones. A desk piece, a gift, a conversation starter that happens to work.
Two materials, two routines
Care: the brass and the blade want opposite things. The blade is high-carbon and needs to go away dry with a trace of oil on it. The brass will tarnish whatever you do, because that is what brass does, and a light haze is what makes the engraving readable. Polish it only if you want it bright and expect to keep doing so. Keep metal polish away from the burned bone inlays, which are porous and will drink it. A dry brush and a soft cloth handle everything else.
Salt water
Take it on the boat if you like, but rinse it in fresh water the same day and dry the pivot out afterwards. Salt in a folding joint is slow, invisible damage. Do Damascus knives rust? answers the question properly, including what the etch does and does not protect against.
FAQs
Is the engraving cut or stamped? It is cut into the brass, which is why it holds a line of shadow and darkens differently as the metal ages.
Will the bone inlays stain? Burned bone is already darkened by heat. It takes up oils from your hands and deepens, but it does not stain the way pale bone does.
Does it arrive sharpened? Yes, with a working edge. If you are choosing a dedicated fish knife alongside it, boning vs fillet knives is the place to start.
Assembled and etched in our Memphis, Tennessee shop.
Model: BMK-642
Justin Allen –
This store clearly knows what they’re doing with quality like this. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. This is exactly why I keep coming back to this maker.
Blake Jefferson –
My uncle couldn’t stop talking about this after I unboxed it. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Can’t wait to see what else this maker has to offer.
Anthony Turner –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Jamal Diaz –
No regrets on this purchase at all. This is my third order from Black Mamba Knives and they never disappoint.
James Rodriguez –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. Great buy overall. I keep coming back to Black Mamba Knives because it’s always this good.
Rafael Wright –
This turned out to be way better than I thought it would be. Opens smooth every time with just a flick of the thumb. Zero complaints from me on this purchase.
Jennifer Morris –
My dad couldn’t stop talking about this after I unboxed it. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Couldn’t be happier with this.
Anthony Hunt –
Not quite what I was hoping for. Pocket clip felt loose and shifted around in my pocket. Just an average purchase. Wouldn’t rush to buy again.
Devin Bishop –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Cool knowing this was handmade right in Memphis and shipped out fast.