Description
Steel Bastion is a sword with no historical parent. Twenty-six inches overall, straight along the back, ending in an angled tanto point that keeps full blade thickness almost to the tip. The Damascus is etched to a black and satin two tone, so the pattern reads as light and dark contrast rather than shine.
The grip is OD green textured G10 cut with deep contour grooves and bolted through with black oxide hardware. Past the scales the tang keeps going, exposed and wrapped in black paracord, closing in a lanyard loop. Nothing on it is decorative.
| Overall length | 26 inches |
| Blade | Straight back with angled tanto tip |
| Steel | Hand-forged Damascus |
| Finish | Etched black and satin two tone |
| Scales | OD green textured G10, deep contour grooves |
| Hardware | Black oxide bolts |
| Tang | Extended and wrapped in black paracord, lanyard loop |
| Included | Fitted leather scabbard |
Who it suits: someone who wants pattern-welded steel without the brass, burl and engraving that usually arrive with it. At 26 inches this sits between a machete and a proper sword — short enough to swing one-handed in brush, heavy enough at the front to chop. The wrapped tang gives you a second hand when you want more behind the swing.
Why the point is shaped that way
A conventional sword point tapers to almost nothing, which is why tips bend and break first. A tanto puts a second angled edge at the front and carries near-full spine thickness right to the apex. You lose fine piercing ability and gain a point that takes abuse. The guide to blade shapes sets the profiles side by side.
The exposed tang
Most swords hide the tang inside a grip. This one runs it out past the scales in the open and covers it in cord. You can see the steel you are holding, the cord adds diameter for a two-handed grip, and when it wears you unwrap it and put new cord on yourself. No glue, no mystery.
Where a short sword makes sense
Twenty-six inches is too long to carry as a knife and too short to fence with. It sits where a machete sits: clearing, camp work, anything wanting reach and weight.
Keeping it right: Damascus is high carbon steel and will rust if left wet. Fingerprints are acidic, so wipe the blade after handling and keep a thin film of mineral oil on it. The G10 and the cord want nothing but soap and water. Store the sword out of the scabbard — leather traps moisture against steel.
FAQs
Is the black finish a coating? No. It comes from the etch, because the steel layers take acid to different depths. It cannot chip or flake.
Why G10 rather than wood? This one is built as a tool. G10 is waterproof, stable in heat and cold, and grippier wet than polished wood.
Can I re-wrap the cord? Yes. It is standard paracord over bare steel.
Will my blade look like the photo? The shape and fittings will. The figure will not — every billet moves differently, as how Damascus is forged explains.
Is a scabbard included? Yes, a fitted leather scabbard. For the same tactical language in another form, see the Storm Breacher tactical tomahawk.
Make it a gift: add laser engraving at checkout. Every order ships from Memphis, TN with a lifetime warranty — backed by 2,000+ verified customer reviews.
Model: BMK-1129
Christopher Clark –
Honestly one of my better purchases in a while. Blade geometry makes it glide through cuts with barely any effort. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Anthony Flores –
Ordered late at night on a whim and woke up glad I did. Edge retention has been great even after regular use in the field. Handle has a great grip even with wet or gloved hands. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Aaron Campbell –
Wasn’t sure what to expect but this knife nailed it. Blade geometry makes it glide through cuts with barely any effort. Fit and finish is museum quality. You can tell real craftsmen made this by hand. This seller clearly takes pride in their work.
Amy Mitchell –
Wish I had gone with a different shop for this one. Not what I expected for the price paid.
Stephen Moore –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Steel has a gorgeous pattern that looks different in every light. This seller clearly takes pride in their work.
Jerome Reed –
This knife completely won me over the moment I picked it up. Took it out camping right away and it handled everything I threw at it. Weight and balance make it feel like a real working knife not some cheap import. Zero complaints from me on this purchase.
Emma Johnson –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Every piece of the fit and finish looks hand checked before it shipped. This is my third order from Black Mamba Knives and they never disappoint. This one’s a keeper for sure.