Description
Eleven inches of hand-forged knife, and a layer count higher than most of the line, which means finer and tighter banding in the etch rather than the broad waves you get lower down the scale.
| Overall length | 11 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 393 layers |
| Handle | Hand carved bone with brass pins |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Built for: people who butcher what they shoot, and collectors who want the forging to be genuine. Field dressing, camp work, and a knife that looks like what it is the moment it leaves the sheath.
What a higher layer count actually changes
Not the strength. Both 1095 and 15N20 harden the same whether you fold them ten times or twelve, and the hardness figure above is the number that governs edge retention. What the count changes is appearance: more folds means thinner alternating bands, so the pattern reads as fine grain instead of bold ripple. Anyone telling you a higher count cuts better is selling. Hand-forged vs factory made is a straighter account of where forging does and does not help.
How to tell it is genuine
Look at the edge bevel. On a forged billet the pattern continues into the bevel and shifts as the geometry changes, because the layers run through the steel. On a stencilled blade the pattern stops at the bevel or repeats identically along the length. Telling real Damascus from a printed pattern shows both side by side.
Rust, realistically
Care: high-carbon steel with no stainless content anywhere in the billet, so it wants drying and a light oil film, consistently rather than heroically. Two minutes after each use beats an hour of rust removal later. If a spot does appear, deal with it early, since a fine abrasive pad and oil lift surface rust before it pits and the etch can be brought back afterwards. Store it out of the leather, dry, with the blade not touching other steel.
FAQs
Why is no blade length listed? The overall length above is what we measure and publish for this model. If you need the blade figure before ordering, ask and we will measure the one in stock rather than quote an average.
Will my pattern match the photo? Closely, not exactly. Every billet etches differently, and that is rather the point of a forged knife.
Is it a working knife or a display piece? Genuinely both. If you want something built with more emphasis on hard camp use, look at the Damascus tracker knife instead.
Can the etch be brought back if it fades? Yes. A light re-etch by a competent smith restores the contrast, provided the steel underneath has not pitted.
Hammered out and etched in Memphis, Tennessee.
Model: BMK-2232
Laura Cook –
Excellent craftsmanship on this one. Telling everyone I know to check this shop out.
Raymond Nelson –
Middle of the road experience with this one. It’s okay for the price.
Jack Wright –
This knife looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Leather sheath is thick and well stitched. Not the cheap stuff you usually get. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Marco Hill –
Turned out better than I expected going in. Blade holds up well, edge retention could be slightly better. Would buy from this shop again.
Nancy Thompson –
This is the kind of knife you show off without even meaning to. Weight and balance make it feel like a real working knife not some cheap import. Sheath snaps shut securely and doesn’t feel flimsy at all. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Malik Ross –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Took it out camping right away and it handled everything I threw at it. Happy customer here, through and through.
Michelle Watson –
The moment I saw this in person I knew it was a keeper. Couldn’t be happier with this.
Amanda Bryant –
Genuinely extremely happy with how this turned out. Sheath snaps shut securely and doesn’t feel flimsy at all. So worth it.
Sarah Richardson –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. This will not be my last order from this store.
Lisa West –
Showed up right on time and looked even better than the photos. This has quickly replaced my old go to knife for field dressing. Every piece of the fit and finish looks hand checked before it shipped. Telling everyone I know to check this maker out. Black Mamba Knives is quickly becoming my go to shop for knives.
Rebecca Bryant –
Got this as a Christmas present and it exceeded what I expected. Took it out camping right away and it handled everything I threw at it. Already added a few more items from this maker to my cart.
Hannah Jackson –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Ordered from Black Mamba Knives before and the quality stays consistent every time.
Eric Barrett –
Ordering again from this maker the second I finish writing this review. Fit and finish is museum quality. You can tell real craftsmen made this by hand. This is my new favorite in the collection.