Description
Every Usmc Ka-bar starts as raw high-carbon billets and leaves the forge with a hand-forged Damascus pattern you can trace with your thumb. This one, SL-024, is a limited edition USMC-pattern fighting knife of our own making: a Black Mamba blade built on the military silhouette, not a KA-BAR product, and neither affiliated with nor endorsed by that company.
| Overall length | 12 inches |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Handle length | 5 inches |
| Handle | Stacked leather washers in alternating tan and dark brown |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
A feather, not a twist
Look along the flat and you will see the plume: a central quill with barbs sweeping away to both sides down the length of the steel. Feather Damascus is one of the harder patterns to hit. The billet is forged, split down the middle with a chisel, then folded back on itself so the layers splay out symmetrically. Miss the centerline and the feather wanders, and the ones that wander never leave the shop. There is a walkthrough in our guide to how Damascus steel is made.
The recipe underneath is unglamorous and reliable. 1095 takes the edge, 15N20 supplies the bright nickel bands, and an oil quench drawn back leaves a hardness that sharpens without a fight. To separate work like this from an etched print, our notes on telling real Damascus from a printed pattern explain exactly what to look at.
Leather stacks
The grip is built the traditional way, with leather discs threaded onto the tang, pressed, then turned true and finished by hand. On this knife the stack alternates tan and dark brown so the rings read as bands along the handle. A brass oval guard sits forward of them and a bright steel cap closes the butt. Leather absorbs shock, stays warm below freezing and only looks better with sweat and years, which is why the pattern used it in the first place.
On the belt
Twelve inches overall at thirteen ounces makes a serious field knife rather than a pocket companion. Seven inches of blade gives reach for clearing brush, splitting kindling and rough camp butchery, while the clip point and its ground swedge keep the tip fine enough for cordage and close work. A hand-stitched leather sheath is included with every one.
Honest care
This is carbon steel wearing a leather handle, so treat it like a good pair of boots. Dry it, oil the blade thinly, keep it out of the sheath in storage, and never leave it wet overnight. Surface darkening is patina and adds character. Orange pitting is rust and wants attention early. Our Damascus knife care and sharpening page covers both cases.
FAQs
Is this an official USMC or KA-BAR knife? No. It is our own handmade knife in the USMC pattern, with no military issue history and no connection to KA-BAR Knives, Inc.
Is this genuine Damascus steel? Yes. This is forge-welded 1095 and 15N20, ground and then etched, so the feather is structural and a resharpen never erases it.
Does it suit hunting? It handles camp chores and field dressing well. For close skinning work, a shorter blade is easier to steer.
Can it be engraved? Yes. Laser engraving can be added before checkout for an additional charge.
Gifting it: engraving is selected at checkout. Finished in Memphis, TN, lifetime warranty included, and more than 2,000 verified customer reviews to read first.
Model: SL-024
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