The Forseti Steel Hemingway Damascus Knife is a 3inch foldable pocket knife with very sharp damascus steel blade which is a blend of 1095 and 15n20 steel creating a visually stunning unique ‘whirl effect’ blade. The handle has a very attractive brass, wood and bone inlay and the knife comes with a leather sheath.

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Quick Update March 2021!

Forseti knives are handmade in small batches so they inevitably sell out fast. The Forseti Hemingway Knife is currently out of stock but I have a review of the wonderful Forseti Lightoller Knife here that is currently in stock.

Full Review

Some of the things I own which give me the greatest delight are items that mesh an old world feel with a modern twist. From my Norlan Whisky Glasses, Rolex Deepsea to my Marshall Bluetooth Speaker or Mont Blanc Pen they all share a common feature – the stylish blend of old world charm and construction but with a modern interpretation. All these items have ‘soul’, they are more than simply a tool. The Forsetti Steel Hemingway Knife fits this description perfectly.

What is Damascus Steel ?

Damascus Steel was originally forged in India, Sri Lanka and Khorasan from a type of steel called Wortz steel about a 1000 years ago. It was renowned for its sharpness and strength and its swirled pattern that was distinctive.

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemmingway was more than just an author. He reported on the Spanish Civil War and World War 2, survived 2 plane crashes and was known as much for being an outdoor sportsman and hunter as he was for sitting back with a drink and writing in Key Largo. The knife is named in his honor as a knife that’s as at home on a fishing boat or at camp as it is sat by the fire with a whisky and cigars in a sumptuous leather chair.

This Rolls Royce of Pocket Knives blends modern features with an old time quality aesthetic

The Forsetti Steel Blade

The blade is high carbon which means you get a very VERY sharp edge from it. There is a slight trade off though with this type of steel compared to stainless steel and that is that the damascus steel will require you to be more careful in the wet with it. I suggest anytime you use the knife for anything ‘dirty’ you wipe the blade clean and dry and also regularly wipe the blade with a light mineral oil ( or even household cooking oil) just to its wiped and then buffed clean. This thin layer will ensure the edge stays keen and the blade doesn’t get a few rust spots on it.

The blade is a 3inch blade giving the overall length of just short of 7 inches with the handle. Its well balanced and hefty when you hold it in your hand and the lockback system is very secure when the blade is folded out. The drop point tip and 4mm thickness of the blade gives you a strong edge and the 256 folded layers makes a stunning pattern finish which is different for every single knife.

Handle

The handle is made from stained bone and some very solid chunky brass. Its the brass that gives it a steampunk old world charm to it and I would be inclined to let the brass tarnish over time to make it look even more ‘old world charming’.

Leather Pouch

The knife comes with a leather pouch /sheath that can also attach to a belt loop.

Its the little things that make you smile ….

When you open the box from Forsetti the first thing that hits you is the smell of pine. The knife itself comes with a charming wooden slide top box thats filled with straw and has the knife nestled inside. Its a nice touch.

Gripes

I love the design and I’m impressed by the blade. Usually this is the bit where I have a bit of a moan about one thing or another but I find it hard to be critical about a knife that balances hand made unique appeal with quality and price.

Who is this knife for ?

This is NOT a decorative knife for the wall or a display cabinet. This knife is perfect for outdoor campcraft or as a very stylish Every Day Carry and its blade length and design means that it is unlikely to break any state laws when you carry it. Its just at home being used out on trails as it would be at home sat by the fire with friends enjoying a drink and cigars. Its that rare blend of a true well made tool but one that’s crafted in a way that you enjoy holding it and using it way beyond it simply being there to do a task.

Lifetime Guarantee

All Forsetti Knives come with a lifetime guarantee.

Verdict

The Forseti Steel Hemingway Damascus Knife is a 3inch foldable pocket knife with very sharp damascus steel blade which is a blend of 1095 and 15n20 steel creating a visually stunning unique ‘whirl effect’ blade. The handle has a very attractive brass, wood and bone inlay and the knife comes with a leather sheath.

PURCHASE $94.99

I challenge you to find another knife that blends a reasonable price point, quality blade and construction and pleasing aesthetic.

About Forsetti Steel

The secret to forging authentic Damascus steel knives has long been lost, but Forseti Steel stays as true to the tradition as we can by commissioning blade-smiths with Damascus ancestry to hand-make all of our blades. The artists behind the enamoring water-like patterns of folded and pounded steel have all learned their skills and techniques from the generations that worked the metals before them.

In addition to paying tribute to the Damascus practice in technique and appearance, Forseti Steel shows its respect for history’s heroes, legends, and characters with our knives’ names and inspiration. The 12″, Hugh Glass Hunting Knife, for example, honors the the mountain men and frontiersmen who tried to tame this land and is a blade we are certain Hugh Glass would have wanted to carry on his expeditions.

All of our knives are made by hand. You read that correctly. Every one of our knives are painstakingly crafted one at a time. That is why no two knives are the same. The knife you receive will be similar to what you see on our site, but will vary slightly due to the materials used and individual craftsman that builds the knife. Our quality and craftsmanship is unparalleled. For that reason, we offer a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee. If you don’t like the knife for any reason, send it back and we will refund 100% of your money, including shipping. Plus, each of our knives comes with a lifetime manufacturing defects warranty. We promise, you will not be disappointed.