Description
There is a particular kind of pleasure in a small folder that is finished properly. The Moonstone Blue has genuine mother of pearl scales, a polished steel bolster running across the middle of each side, and hardware anodized to a deep electric blue that picks up the cool greens and pinks in the shell. Set it on a dark surface under a lamp and the handle looks lit from inside.
Shell, and why it is rare
Mother of pearl is nacre, the material a mollusc builds in fine crystalline sheets along the inside of its shell. Those sheets refract light, which is where the shifting color comes from; it is a structural effect, not a coating or a dye, so it will never wear off or fade. It is also awkward to work. Nacre is brittle, has to be cut wet to keep dust down, and every pin hole is a chance to crack a finished scale. That is the reason you rarely see it outside custom work.
| Overall Length (open) | 7.15 inches |
|---|---|
| Closed Length | 4.1 inches |
| Blade Length | 3 inches |
| Blade Style | Drop point |
| Blade Steel | 14C28N stainless steel |
| Blade Finish | Hand-rubbed satin |
| Handle Material | Genuine mother of pearl with polished steel bolsters |
| Lock Type | Liner lock |
| Opening | Manual thumb stud — not spring assisted |
| Pivot | Phosphor bronze washers both sides |
| Hardware | Blue anodized pivot and body screws |
| Pocket Clip | Blue anodized titanium, tip-up carry |
| Included | Hand-stitched white leather slip pouch |
A bright blade in 14C28N
Three inches of drop point, polished bright rather than left matte, with a smooth curve down the spine to a centered tip. The steel is 14C28N, a nitrogen-alloyed stainless known for taking a very keen edge at working hardness while shrugging off moisture. It is the right choice for a knife that will be carried in a handbag or a coat pocket rather than kept in a case, since it forgives the days you forget to wipe it.
The blade opens manually with one thumb and locks open on a leaf of the steel liner. Phosphor bronze washers sit on both faces of the pivot, which is what gives the swing its smoothness and what lets the tension be adjusted rather than merely tolerated.
Made in Memphis
The blade is ground, heat treated and hand-finished in our Tennessee shop, the scales are cut and fitted at the same bench, and a hand-stitched white leather slip pouch is made to go with it.
Dimensions and heft
Unfolded it stands just past seven inches, and shuts down to a touch over four; the shell scales give it noticeably more density than a composite-handled folder of similar proportions. That extra weight sits between your fingers rather than out at the tip, which is why the knife feels settled in a grip despite being small.
What it is for
Small, elegant, genuinely sharp: this is a knife for a purse, a desk drawer or a jacket, and it is a common choice as a milestone gift, since shell and blue anodizing photograph beautifully and the recipient will still be carrying it in twenty years. If you are shopping for somebody else, our gift guide for knife buyers narrows things down by personality rather than by price bracket.
Care
Warm water and a soft cloth for the handle, never solvents or an abrasive, and keep it out of direct heat which is unkind to natural shell. The stainless blade wants little more than a wipe. Put a single drop of light lubricant at the pivot every couple of months, flush the joint with warm water if grit works in, and dry it before you fold it shut. On which lubricant to use and which to avoid, we set out the options in our guide to knife oils. Nothing about this knife needs a specialist. Prefer the same shell with a forged pattern-welded blade and brass fittings? That is the Golden Nacre.
Model: BMK-1222
Eric Bryant –
Can’t stop showing this off to everyone who comes over. This is the kind of purchase that makes online shopping worth it.
Jason West –
Pretty impressed. Just a couple minor things I’d tweak. Black Mamba Knives usually delivers solid quality and this was no exception. Pocket clip works fine, just a bit tight at first. Action is good though it needed a little breaking in. Would still tell others to give this a try.
Susan Diaz –
Genuinely extremely happy with how this turned out. Opens smooth every time with just a flick of the thumb. Black Mamba Knives’ attention to detail is honestly unmatched. Definitely bookmarking this seller for future orders.
Carlos Cooper –
Genuinely blown away with how this turned out. Action smoothed out even more after a few days of carry. Worth every penny.
Betty Cole –
Meh. Expected more.
Michelle Robinson –
My father in law was speechless when I showed them this pocket knife. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. This has become my daily carry piece without question. This is the kind of purchase that makes online shopping worth it.
Henry Miller –
Overall a good buying experience. Lockup is solid, just a touch of side to side play. Glad I made this purchase.
Pamela Gray –
Genuinely genuinely surprised with how this turned out. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it.
Cynthia Foster –
This exceeded what I pictured in my head before ordering. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Not my first order from Black Mamba Knives and it won’t be my last. Definitely bookmarking this seller for future orders.
Melissa Mendoza –
Really happy with this pocket knife overall.
Ruth Jones –
Didn’t think a pocket knife at this price could feel this premium. Black Mamba Knives is quickly becoming my go to shop for knives. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it.
Roger Carter –
Was nervous ordering something like this online but so glad I did. Deployment is fast and confident every single time. This one’s a keeper for sure.
Tyler Ramirez –
My wife was speechless when I showed them this pocket knife. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Can’t recommend this enough.