Brand: Schnitzmesser von Herbertz (C. Jul. Herbertz GmbH)
Model: B25
Blade/handle: Damascus – high carbon steel / Bone
Length: 19.7cm (7.76 inches)
Blade: 8.3cm (3.27 inches)
Lock mechanism: Walker - Liner lock
Sellor: Aliexpress - $13.29 (registered shipping included)
So what’s all the fuss about this so-called Damascus steel besides the noticeably swirl design in the steel itself? Let’s take a look at an excerpt from Wikipedia.
Damascus steel was a type of steel used in South Asian and Middle Eastern sword-making. Damascus steel was created from wootz steel, a steel developed in India around 300 BC. These swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.
The original method of producing Damascus steel is not known. Because of differences in raw materials and manufacturing techniques, modern attempts to duplicate the metal have not been entirely successful. Despite this, several individuals in modern times have claimed that they have rediscovered the methods in which the original Damascus steel was produced.
The reputation and history of Damascus steel has given rise to many legends, such as the ability to cut through a rifle barrel or to cut a hair falling across the blade, but no evidence exists to support such claims.
So with that out of the way let’s get down to business. I’ll try to keep an open mind and give an unbiased opinion about this $13 pocket knife.
Design: 3 out of 5 grape sodas
There’s nothing to “toot” about here. It a very common bow design and it just works.
The curves of the handle is very comfortable in the hands especially with the bone material and can accommodate someone with bigger sized hands. With the blade closed, the knife measures at 11.4 cm long (4.5 inches).
This knife sports a liner lock to keep the blade locked in the open position. There is no play in the mechanism while locked.
If you notice, there is no clip or ring where you can attach a lanyard.
The thumb stud is also a little too close to the handle. I find that I have to press a little harder to get it open. I may replace it with a taller stud. Going to discount it big time because of it.
The bone material as well as the pitted looking metal gives it an antique look. With the blade fully extended, the distinctive patterns of the Damascus steel goes very well with the rest of the knife.
Build Quality: 3 out of 5 grape sodas
Rough but tough look. All the components look and feel like they were not well made at first glance and look like it’s a used knife that has been put through its paces through the years. After a closer look, you noticed that it’s not as bad as you think. The metal is well machined and moving parts look sturdy and durable. I am hesitant to compare this knife with any of the others I have. It’s sold as a “handmade” which I won’t dispute the fact that it might.
I haven’t disassembled the knife yet however I am already planning on replacing the low friction plastic washer at the axis of the folding mechanism with a stainless steel metal washer.
Blade: ? out of 5 grape sodas
What can I say? The molting steel reminiscent of flowing water design was the reason I bought this knife. Is it a quality steel? Who knows.
Initial swipes on a metal file showed obvious damage to the cutting edge however not more than my $60 Spyderco Black Delica 4 which houses a VG-10 blade.
I’ll update this review once I had a chance to polish the blade surface and sharpen the edge. It’s always easier for me to tell the quality of the metal when I sharpen it.
Conclusion:
It’s a $13 knife. Get over it. Once I polish this thing up it’ll probably be a shelf queen, looking pretty and pulled out kicking and screaming for a good romp on a full-moon night!
