Description
Burl wood scales, a polished 3.5 inch drop point and a mirror-bright steel butt cap. The Sloth Bear is the compact fixed blade in the Ultra Line.
| Overall length | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.5 inches |
| Handle | Burl wood scales with a steel butt cap |
| Steel | 440C stainless steel |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Intended use: hunting and general outdoor cutting where you want a fixed blade but not a big one. Eight inches overall is short enough to carry horizontally on a belt or vertically without the handle digging into your ribs when you sit down.
440C, in plain terms
440C is a true stainless with enough carbon to harden properly, which puts it in a useful middle ground. It takes a keen edge, it resists rust in wet field conditions, and it gives up a little edge retention next to the high-carbide tool steels. For a hunting knife that gets wiped on a trouser leg and put away, that trade is the right way round. There is more detail in our guide to 440C steel.
The blade profile
The drop point has a slight upsweep and a fairly deep belly, which is what you want for skinning: the curve does the cutting and the dropped point is far less likely to nick a gut than a clip point. The trade-off shows up in fine detail work, where a lower, straighter tip would give you more control. It is a general-purpose shape that does most things well and nothing brilliantly.
Burl and how it moves
Burl is wood grown from a growth deformity, which is why the figure swirls rather than running straight. Every set of scales is unique and none of it will match a catalogue photograph exactly. Figured wood of this kind is more prone to moving with humidity than straight-grained stock, so store it well away from heat sources and out of any damp shed, and give it a wipe of wax once a year to keep the surface sealed. Any grain that rises can be knocked back with a green scouring pad and re-waxed.
Care: stainless steel means no oiling schedule and nothing to worry about after a rainy day beyond wiping it dry. Sharpen on a stone rather than a pull-through, which tears a hard edge instead of cutting it; the method is in sharpening on a whetstone. The hand-stitched leather sheath should be conditioned occasionally and should not be the knife’s permanent home.
Questions from buyers
Does the handle have a guard? There is a swell and a finger relief rather than a formal guard, so keep your grip dry on thrusting cuts.
What if I want more blade? The Black Bird with a stag handle runs 5.5 inches in the same series.
Where is it made? Finished and sharpened at our Memphis bench and shipped from Tennessee.
Model: BMK-846
Samuel R. (verified owner) –
“The handmade steel knife I got from this shop is the epitome of high-end quality. It’s sharp as a razor and feels comfortable in my hand. It’s a valuable addition to my culinary arsenal.”
Olivia R. (verified owner) –
“I recently acquired this high-end handmade steel knife, and it’s a true masterpiece. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and it’s now my go-to tool for all my culinary adventures.”
Benjamin C. (verified owner) –
“The handmade steel knife I purchased here is a symbol of luxury and precision. It’s sharp, elegant, and has greatly elevated my cooking experience. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Todd Taylor –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Even the small details in the damascus pattern are crisp and clean. Pommel and guard are solid, no wobble anywhere on the knife. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it.
Christopher Gonzalez –
I collect knives and this one is incredible.
Sarah Price –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Fit and finish is museum quality. You can tell real craftsmen made this by hand. Already telling my friends to check this out. Love that this comes out of Memphis and still ships worldwide this quickly.
Patrick Cox –
Turned out better than I expected going in. Blade quality is solid. Arrived a bit less sharp than expected but a few passes on a strop fixed it. Would order again despite the minor gripes.
Kyle Coleman –
Seriously nice quality for the price point. Handle has a great grip even with wet or gloved hands. Edge retention has been great even after regular use in the field. This company nailed it with this one.
Natalie Sanchez –
This knife is impressively made. No question about it. Blade geometry makes it glide through cuts with barely any effort. Exactly the kind of quality that keeps me coming back.
Sharon Nguyen –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. This is the kind of purchase that makes online shopping worth it.
Joseph Richardson –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Handle has a great grip even with wet or gloved hands. Exactly the kind of quality that keeps me coming back.
Raymond Morris –
This exceeded what I pictured in my head before ordering. Blade holds a razor edge right out of the box. This company just earned a repeat customer.
Jessica Taylor –
Showed up right on time and looked even better than the photos. This has quickly replaced my old go to knife for field dressing. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Stephanie Lopez –
Impressively made craftsmanship on this one.
Walter Ruiz –
No regrets on this purchase at all. Leather sheath is thick and well stitched. Not the cheap stuff you usually get. This one’s a keeper for sure.
Devin Hall –
Got this as an anniversary gift and it exceeded what I expected. Black Mamba Knives’ attention to detail is honestly unmatched. Edge retention has been great even after regular use in the field. So worth it.