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The Battling Blades Damascus Steel Skinning Knife is a campcraft / hunting knife with a very sharp damascus steel blade which is a blend of 1095 and #43 and #40 steel creating a visually stunning unique ‘whirl effect’ blade. The handle has a very attractive wood handle with a sturdy through tang and comes with a belt loop leather sheath.
In Depth Review
I believe that most knives you need come under one of ‘the three C’s’. Combat, Carry or Campcraft. This hunting knife places itself firmly in the campcraft/hunting category so if you want to stab zombies take a look at the splendid Ka-Bar and if you want a fantastic Every Day Carry take a look at the superb Lightoller Knife instead. If you want a workhorse for hunting and camping then read on….
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.
The Blade
The Blade on the knife 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 roughly 3.5 inches giving the overall length of just short of 8 inches with the handle. Its well balanced and VERY hefty when you hold it in your hand ( something that is very satisfying) and the through handle tang is very thick and very well fitted through the handle. The 352 folded layers makes a stunning pattern finish which is different for every single knife. There are also a forefinger groove and ground ridges along the spine gives the user plenty of leverage when using the knife as well as a hole cut in the end of the handle that you can attach a lanyard or line to.
Handle
The handle on the Battling Blades Skinner Knife is made from wood which is closely dovetailed to the thick metal Tang through the centre.
Leather Pouch
The Battling Blades Damascus Skinner Knife comes with a leather pouch /sheath that can also attach to a belt loop.
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 the price. If I was being very very niggly I would say the knife was delivered not very sharp ( not an issue for me as I prefer to sharpen myself ) and if you have a very very close look the handle wood and tang could be slightly more accurately tooled for a perfect blend.
Who is this knife for ?
This is NOT just a decorative knife for the wall or a display cabinet. Although Battling Blades do a wide range of more decorative blades for show this knife is perfect for 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 cutting cigars and opening boxes. Its that rare blend of a 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.
Verdict
The Battling Blades Damascus Steel Skinning Knife is a campcraft / hunting knife with a very sharp damascus steel blade which is a blend of 1095 and #43 and #40 steel creating a visually stunning unique ‘whirl effect’ blade. The handle has a very attractive wood handle with a sturdy through tang and comes with a belt loop leather sheath.
PURCHASE $49.99Features and Specs
Handle: Wood with brass bolsters
Overall Length: 8″
Rockwell Hardness: 55-56 HRC
Number of layers: 352
Sheath: Leather sheath
Blade Material: Damascus steel
6 Pieces of Carbon Steel #43 and #40
5 Pieces of High Carbon Steel 1095
1st Fold- 11×2=22 Layers
2nd Fold- 22*2=44 Layers
3rd Fold- 44*2=88 Layers
4th Fold- 88*2=176 Layers
5th Fold- 176*2=352 Layers
Skinning Knife/ Skinner Knife- High Carbon Damascus Steel Blade- Natural
About Battling Blades
Battling Blades designs and sells high quality swords, axes, machetes and knives. We strive to design and create products with the highest quality metals, bone, wood, and leather. We pride ourselves on craftsmanship and have special interest in customer service. We are a family owned and operated business and take great pride in the quality of our work.
