Description
Small, dense and quick. At eight inches overall and 4.9 ounces, the Black Bear is the compact end of the Ultra Line, pairing a 3.5-inch blade with a 4.5-inch grip.
| Overall length | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.5 inches |
| Handle | Dark burl wood with an engraved steel bolster and brass pin |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 4.9 oz |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Built for: close work. Field dressing, caping, kitchen prep at camp, cutting cord and tape, and everything else that gets done with the first two inches of an edge rather than the whole blade.
More handle than blade, on purpose
A grip longer than the cutting edge is what separates a real small hunting knife from a toy. It means your whole hand is on the knife, not three fingers, and it means you can bear down on a cut without the butt digging into your palm. People with larger hands often find compact knives unusable for this exact reason; this layout avoids that. Anyone shopping around this size should read choosing a knife for smaller hands, which covers grip length properly.
The limits of a short edge
You will not reach far inside a large carcass. You will not clear brush and you should not try to split anything. Every cut takes more passes than it would with a longer edge. Accept those limits and it is one of the most useful shapes made, because a small blade under full control finishes delicate work that a big one ruins. If your season involves elk rather than whitetail, a fifteen-inch Damascus bowie is the other end of the argument.
Care: a short blade is quick to maintain, which is the hidden advantage. Ten strokes a side on a fine stone brings the edge back, and the whole knife dries in seconds. Carbon steel Damascus at this hardness will spot from blood and from salt water, so the rule is simple: clean it before you put it away, not when you next reach for it. Leather sheaths pull moisture out of the air, so hang the knife loose in storage rather than leaving it sheathed for the off season. Full guidance sits in the Damascus hunting knife guide.
FAQs
Is it a good first fixed blade? Yes. The size is forgiving and the skills transfer to anything larger.
Can it be carried as an everyday knife? It is a fixed blade with a sheath, so that depends on local rules and on how you dress. Many owners keep it in a pack instead.
Why is it priced above larger models? Ultra Line pieces get more finishing time per knife, and small work is not faster work.
Model: BMK-849
Ava M. (verified owner) –
“I’ve owned many hunting knives, but the one from this store is in a league of its own. It’s not just a tool; it’s a work of art. The precision and design are simply outstanding.”
Benjamin C. (verified owner) –
“The hunting knife I purchased here is a symbol of luxury and functionality. It’s sharp, elegant, and has greatly enhanced my hunting experience. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Olivia R. (verified owner) –
“I recently acquired the high-end hunting knife from this store, and it’s an absolute masterpiece. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and it’s now my trusted companion for all my outdoor adventures.”
Rafael Ramirez –
This showed up faster than expected and looked incredible. Every piece I’ve gotten from Black Mamba Knives has been solid.
Sergio Simmons –
Got this as my brother and it exceeded what I expected.
Anna Harris –
My coworker was speechless when I showed them this knife. Cool knowing this was handmade right in Memphis and shipped out fast. Weight and balance make it feel like a real working knife not some cheap import. Every piece of the fit and finish looks hand checked before it shipped. No hesitation recommending this to anyone looking.
Adam Wilson –
This knife punches way above its price point. Edge retention has been great even after regular use in the field. Fit and finish is museum quality. You can tell real craftsmen made this by hand. Love it.
Caleb Roberts –
Couldn’t ask for a better knife honestly. Came in a nice gift box which made it feel even more special. Zero complaints from me on this purchase.
Samuel Castillo –
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. Not my first order from Black Mamba Knives and it won’t be my last. Would send this as a gift again in a heartbeat.
Cody Allen –
No regrets on this purchase at all. Good to know real Memphis craftsmen are behind this, and shipping was quick too.