Description
A mirror finish on four and a half inches of blade, and a black micarta handle measured to exactly the same length.
| Overall length | 9 inches |
| Blade length | 4.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.5 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 5.5 oz |
| Handle | Micarta handle |
| Pattern | Mirror Shine Blade |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Best at: long slicing strokes. The profile sweeps up to a fine point with very little belly, which is the shape you want drawing through meat at a table or trimming something on a board, and the shape you do not want for scraping, prying or batoning.
Care: the finish is the demanding part. A mirror records fingerprints and every scratch you give it, so wipe it with a soft cloth after handling and keep it away from grit. Wash by hand, dry it straight away, and never take a scouring pad to it — one pass turns a mirror into a satin finish permanently. The micarta wants nothing at all: soap, water, a stiff brush if it gets greasy, and it will not swell, lift or crack. Store the knife dry and outside the leather.
Why the blade is polished rather than patterned
This one is finished as a mirror. A polished surface is harder to execute than it looks, because it shows the grind with nowhere to hide — every wobble in the bevel, every flat spot along the plunge, every asymmetry between the two sides. Look down the spine at a light source and you can read the whole grind in the reflection. That is the point of the finish and it is the honest way to inspect one.
Four and a half inches is a specific decision
Nine inches open is a large folder. It slices better than a short blade because a longer stroke means fewer strokes, and it is worse in a pocket for the same reason. It is also long enough to matter legally: many US cities cap a carried blade at three or four inches regardless of what the state allows, so check yours before you carry it. For the same job in a shorter, patterned blade, the Dugite folder is the pocketable version.
Micarta, and why working knives keep using it
Layers of linen or canvas cured in resin under pressure. It is dimensionally stable, immune to water and to most solvents, and its grip actually improves when your hands are wet, because the woven texture sits slightly proud of the resin. It wears to a sheen over years instead of degrading. There is no finish on it to renew and nothing about it that can rot.
Practical questions
Can I restore the mirror if I scratch it? Yes, with progressively finer compounds and a lot of patience. There is no shortcut and no product that does it in one step.
How do I keep the bevel even when I sharpen it? Hold one angle for the whole stroke and let the length do the work. Our guide to pocket knife bevels explains what you are aiming at.
How do I clean out the pivot? Flush it, dry it, then oil the pivot only. The pocket knife cleaning guide covers doing it without taking the knife apart.
Model: BMK-VG15
Larry Diaz –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Made in the USA and shipped worldwide with no issues on my end. Balance in hand is perfect for detail work at the cutting board. Highly recommend this one.
Larry Brown –
The moment I saw this in person I knew it was a keeper. Cleans up easy and hasn’t shown any rust or staining. Can’t wait to see what else this store has to offer.
Kenneth Miller –
This one landed somewhere in the middle for me. Edge dulled a bit faster than I expected with regular use. Neutral on this one overall.
Antoine Gonzalez –
Would call this a solid pickup for the price. Handle feels good, just a little heavier than I expected. Would still tell others to give this a try.
Thomas Ramirez –
Didn’t think a knife at this price could feel this premium. This one’s a keeper for sure.
Jamal Hall –
So happy I finally pulled the trigger on this one. Slices through everything like butter, no sawing needed. This maker just earned a repeat customer.
Steven Vance –
Genuinely very pleased with how this turned out. Edge geometry makes thin slicing so much easier than my old knife. Handle stays comfortable even after prepping a big meal. Cleans up easy and hasn’t shown any rust or staining. Highly recommend this one.
Brian Allen –
This knife is a genuine work of art. Ordered from Black Mamba Knives before and the quality stays consistent every time.
Walter Richardson –
Does the job but I wasn’t blown away. Does the job in the kitchen but nothing special. Could go either way on recommending this.
Jose Green –
No regrets on this purchase at all. Would send this as a gift again in a heartbeat.
DeShawn Kim –
This is the kind of knife you show off without even meaning to. Cleans up easy and hasn’t shown any rust or staining. Good to know real Memphis craftsmen are behind this, and shipping was quick too. Slices through everything like butter, no sawing needed. No hesitation recommending this to anyone looking.
Sandra Marsh –
Impressively made quality for the price point.