Tested: The Best Damascus Steel Knives For Everyday Carry

With its unique and eye-catching appearance and generally top-shelf nature, Damascus steel has long been a popular material for use in everyday carry knives. First appearing in the historical record all the way back to 1,500 BC, the original process for creating Damascus steel has since been lost to the sands of time, though modern iterations of this construction have become widely available, with some of today’s heralded EDC knives now being offered in Damascus-steeled variants — our favorite of which we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to and hands-on review of the best Damascus knives for everyday carry. 

Selection & Testing

There’s an enormous number of Damascus steel everyday carry knives on the market, so when we set out to uncover the best, we first made a list of criteria that would be used to judge each potential pick. This had us leaning on areas like handle material, locking mechanism, blade deployment, blade length and width, and the type of Damascus steel being used, its origin, and its composition. We also limited our picks to real Damascus blades with constructions that are layered and forged. 

With these factors guiding our hunt, we then scoured the market extensively, reviewing several hundred available options being selecting a shortlist of candidates that we then proceeded to get our hands on in order to put them through a testing and review process. This period included a paper-cutting test to judge the sharpness of each knife’s factory edge, along with a cardboard stabbing test to better assess grip and conduciveness to hard-use tasks. On top of this more structured, scored review process, we also carried out a more informal set of trials where each knife was daily-carried for several weeks at a time — before starting the rotation all over again. 

Because we were dealing with Damascus knives, there were a few other unique areas that we also took into account. As markedly more premium knives with blades that sport a much more eye-catching appearance, we also considered how well each knife lends itself to being a showpiece or collector’s blade. And, while there wasn’t always information to go off of, we also tried to do research to ensure that all of our Damascus EDC knife selections will generally hold their value overtime — at least if properly cared for and not abused or damaged. Once we had all the information and notes from our testing and review process, we then narrowed our initial shortlist down to a final list of what this period proved to be the best Damascus knives for EDC. 

CIVIVI Elementum Damascus

Best Budget Pick: Since its release in 2019, the CIVIVI Elementum has been heralded as one of the most value-laden EDC knives on the market, offering a level of both performance and build quality that are typically reserved for multi-hundred-dollar blades. As such, it came as no surprise to discover that the shredded carbon and Damascus version of the Elementum also represents one of the best budget Damascus EDC knives currently out there — and, in typical Elementum fashion, one of the most value-laden as well. 

The Good

Unlike most handles that feature a solid 2D appearance, the Damascus Elementum’s handle has a ton of visual depth. This is because it’s comprised of steel liners sandwiched between a set of scales made from a combination of shredded carbon fiber and shredded silver leaf that have been suspended in a clear resin. The steel liners also feature a liner lock mechanism that’s smooth, consistent, and sturdy. Its ergonomics are pretty good, and the scales are a bit rounder than the regular model’s Micarta and G-10 handles. 

This version of the Elementum comes with a roughly 7.0” drop point blade that’s been brought to life in a Is 9Cr18MoV-based Damascus steel. Clocking in at 0.12-inches-thick, the blade construction has been forged into a 110-layer Damascus with a ton of contrast between its two different base metals. I’m not entirely sure what the Damascus constructions second steel is, but after using it for a few weeks I sat down and sharpened the thing and found it to be pretty easy to work with, suggesting its a slightly softer, likely cheaper steel has been paired with the 9Cr. The blade is also sharpened to a razor’s edge. And, while it may just be in my head, I found the Damascus blade’s edge to actually be a bit sharper than the normal Elementum variants with non-layered blades. 

Supplementary Strengths

Just like the regular D2 and Nitro-V-steeled Elementums, the Damascus version features a well-dialed-in, buttery-smooth deployment action. Along with its top-notch craftsmanship, this is not only one of the most impressive aspects of the Elementum. So much so, in fact, I’m at a loss for why this Damascus Elementum model wasn’t sold under the WE Knife Co. banner, as WE does make a titanium-scaled, 20CV-steeled Elementum. 

The time I spent carrying and testing this knife also reminded me why the Elementum is so wildly popular, as it performs just as well as the regular models and offers an equally impressive level of value. And, full disclosure, I personally own an Elementum that I customized and I definitely have a proclivity for the knife, so there’s admittedly probably some personal bias here, but I’d still say this is unquestionably one of the best Damascus knives you can get right now — at least dollar-for-dollar. 

With an MSRP of $115, this Damascus knife also offers outstanding bang-for-your-buck — and that’s before even factoring in its fairly exotic handle construction. Because of its immense, continued, and widespread popularity, there’s a massive array of aftermarket upgrades available for the Elementum. And, with its exotic-looking layered blade, the Damascus-spec Elementum also makes for a great platform for modification.

The Not So Good

With CIVIVI having upgraded both the blade and scales, the only visible component that’s been carried over from the non-Damascus Elementum models — which cost half the price — is the pocket clip. Even if it resulted in $10 being added to the price, I really wish the Damascus Elementum shipped with a billet titanium pocket clip, which CIVIVI happens to both make and sell on its site, which would make it ridiculously easy for them to add one to this more premium Elementum variant. 

While its ergonomics are pretty decent, the Elementum is a bit smaller than a full-size EDC knife like the Spyderco PM2, Microtech MSI, or even the Benchmade Bugout which is more-than-half-an-inch-longer. Its size definitely compromises how well it fits in the hand, though if you have smaller hands it will probably feel great. Additionally, though the shredded carbon and silver flake suspended in resin looks great, the resin is pretty smooth and lacks the traction afforded by grippier handle materials like G-10, or Micarta. 

Verdict: CIVIVI’s Damascus Elementum puts a top-shelf spin on one of the most popular budget-friendly EDC knives on the market, without compromising its excellent bang-for-your-buck. Between its buttery smooth action and top-notch build quality, it’s the obvious go-to option for anyone looking for a quality Damascus EDC knife on a budget. 

The James Brand The Carter Damascus

Best Modern Knife Pick: Though the company was founded back in 2012, it wouldn’t be until closer to 2020 that it really started to it its stride. After releasing its first-ever knife — The Chapter — a decade ago, TJB rolled out the Folsom in 2016, the Duval front flipper in October of 2019, and then its most iconic knife to date only a few weeks later with The Carter. With a modern, minimalist, and design conscious form backed by real utility, The Carter perfectly encapsulates The James Brand’s MO. And after falling in love with The Carter — and The Carter XL — over the last half-decade, we were thrilled to get hands-on with the more premium Damascus-steeled version of the knife. 

The Good

Weighing 3oz even, the knife spans 6.50” overall. Like the company’s logo, this knife takes its monicker from the Carter Cave arrowheads made by Native Americans in what’s now Kentucky — and strives to be a functional and utilitarian tool, just like those arrowheads. The thing’s pieced together around a set of Micarta scales placed atop a partial steel liner. 

At the base of the scales is a matching black Micarta back-spacer. Fitted with a reversible polished steel tip-up pocket clip, the handle is just large enough that I can get four fingers wrapped around it, and while it’s a tiny bit too small for my hand, the contours and groove around where the middle and trigger fingers are placed does a surprisingly effective job of bolstering its overall ergonomics, despite not being that dramatic or pronounced of a feature. 

The Carter’s handle also comes equipped with TJB’s ambidextrous slide lock — or “Ambi-Slider,” which is essentially a riff on Benchmade’s legendary AXIS lock. The mechanisms lockup feels solid and consistent, and I like that its slider can be engaged from either side. And, just like with an AXIS lock, you can engage the slider and then flip the blade open with a flick of the wrist — in lieu of using the thumb-disc. 

Spanning 2.80” and clocking in at 0.11-inches thick, the Carter’s blade boasts a utilitarian, versatile drop point design brought to life in an unspecified Damascus steel. Thanks to the use of phosphor bronze washers, the blade’s opening action is smooth and consistent. 

Supplementary Strengths

Whether flicking it out using my trigger finger or flipping it our with my thumb, the thumb-stud works as intended and makes opening the blade pretty effortless. And, unlike the completely flat discs on knives like the Emerson CQC-7, The Carter’s is a stepped three-level design that provides a bit more grip — and adds a few style points in the process. 

One thing that I really wasn’t expecting was for the Damascus-steeled Carter to have a factory edge that was anything close to comparable to the $500+ knives on this list. Lo and behold, the drop point item’s edge was legitimately razor sharp. I also really appreciated that, despite being a nice knife, The Damascus version of The Carter isn’t so nice that I felt nervous or uncomfortable actually putting it to use. 

With the exception of certain USA-made models such as The Kline, The James Brand manufactures its knives and tools overseas in China, and at times has been accused of not always exhibiting the best build quality. I personally don’t see it. Sure, it doesn’t boast Pro-Tech or Benchmade-level craftsmanship, but it’s not bad. 

Regardless as to whether it’s one of their carabiners, pens, or knives, everything that The James Brand makes boasts an unmistakably modern, minimalist design, and The Carter is no different. In fact, its more fashion-forward, design-conscious nature actually plays a pretty huge role in what makes it — and the rest of TJB’s wares — so special and so sought-after. 

The Not So Good

Because The James Brand doesn’t say what kind of Damascus steel it uses on The Carter, I’m assuming it’s probably a somewhat low quality construction — especially because TJB does cite the Damasteel constructions used on its limited edition Barnes knives. Additionally, after a few weeks of carrying it, I hooked the knife up to my sharpener and found it was pretty easy to regain its edge, which also points to a softer, more low-end set of base metals. 

I also found that the pocket clip creates some pretty significant hotspots which is obviously never ideal. And, while you clip is removable, the only way to mount a lanyard on it is through the clip, and without a lanyard it would be a little harder to fish from your pocket. Consequently, I wished TJB milled a lanyard hole through the backspacer as it would address this issue. The James Brand’s The Ulu lanyard and bead also pairs excellently with this version of The Carter, too. 

The knife can feel a little awkward in larger hands. Being just over an inch longer at 7.8” overall, I prefer the size of TJB’s The Carter XL knife, but the XL-spec sadly isn’t available in a Damascus variant — not yet at least. I also wished The James Brand produced a Damascus version of The Carter with one of its new carbon fiber handles. And, though it’s by no means outrageously expensive, I’d still argue that the Damascus-spec Carter doesn’t offer the best bang-for-your-buck. 

Verdict: Perfectly balancing form and function., the James Brand’s The Carter is a modern minimalist knife that was engineered from the ground up. If you’re looking for a relatively affordable Damascus option that’s nice, but not so nice that you’ll be afraid to use it, we’d recommend opting for this TJB item. 

Spyderco SpyOpera Damascus Sprint Run

Best Gentlemen’s Knife: Spyderco’s products have always primarily focused on utility, and even its top-shelf knives are plenty capable. And with such a focus on functionality and practicality, I love seeing when the Colorado company veers from its normal operations in order to deliver small limited edition versions of existing Spyderco knives that are reconfigured using ultra-premium materials. Allowing practicality and bang-for-your-buck take a backseat to sheer material bling and wow-factor, these Sprint Run knives are made all the more elite by the fact that each batch is produced only once before being discontinued forever. And that’s the case with the carbon-scaled, Damasteeled Sprint Run version of the Spyderco SpyOpera that we’ve recently awarded with best Damascus gentlemen’s knife. 

The Good

To deliver the SpyOpera, Spyderco called on Italian outfit LionSteel which helped develop the knife before meticulously manufacturing the entire run out of its shop in Maniago, Italy. The blade spans a little under 3.0” and features a modified drop point profile bestowed with a large hump at the base of the spine that’s had Spyderco’s signature Round Hole opener cut out of the layered construction, allowing it to act as a means of deployment and a thumb ramp once the blade’s open. 

Coming in at 0.118-inches-thick, the blade’s been brought to life in a gorgeous DS93X Thor-pattern Damascus from Damasteel. This Swedish-made martensitic Damascus is created through a proprietary powder metallurgy process that sees layers of high-performance RWL 34 and PMC 27 forge-welded together before eventually being hit with an acid etch to bring out the contrast between the two metals. The sharpness of the SpyOpera’s factory edge was fantastic. It admittedly wasn’t the sharpest out of all the knives I tested, but that has more to do with the ridiculously premium nature of some of the knives in this guide and less to do with the Spyderco not leaving the factory in Maniago without a carefully-worked edge. 

I absolutely loved being able to view the Damascus blade’s layered construction by looking down at its spine or at the inner walls of the Round Hole opening. Likewise, it’s also cool seeing Spyderco branding on one side of the blade and the LionSteel logo on the other — though I’ll readily acknowledge the personal bias going on here as these happen to be two of my all-time favorite knife brands. It also has a very gentlemanly vibe to it that I very much appreciate. I was also surprised to discover the SpyOpera was almost as flickable as the other Round Hole openers I own from Spyderco like the PM2 and PM3. 

The blade comes mated to an equally-attractive, lightweight carbon fiber handle. Sandwiched between the milled carbon scales is a metal liner and a backlock mechanism, both of which are contoured and hit with a heavily bead-blasted finish. While they can be plenty sturdy, I’m not typically a fan of back lock mechanisms and typically view them as being a bit antiquated. The back lock on the Sprint Run SpyOpera, however, is a different story. Its bead-blasted components (which I suspect may be made from titanium) look and feel great, and it engages super smoothly — unlike my Delica 4 which can sometimes be a bit finicky. 

Supplementary Strengths

While the knife spans just below 7.0”, 4.0” of that is comprised of the handle, which provided just enough surface area for me to get a firm, full four-finger grip on the thing. The ergonomics look simple at first but actually have a lot of minor details that when added up make for a great-feeling handle. There’s a slight curvature along the back that’s mirrored by the bottom of the handle until just before the blade where it flares out, creating a small but fairly-effective finger guard. 

Between the handle’s ergonomics and the help provided by the generously-sized thumb ramp, it was ridiculously easy to get a really good grip on the knife, despite its surface of the smooth carbon scales not offering much in the way of grip themselves. It’s also impressive lightweight for its size at under 3oz. Fitted with a bent wire pocket clip, the handle is pieced together using hardware with flanges surrounded by a unique six-sided star design and the pocket clip consists of an equally-idiosyncratic and ornate piece of hardware. 

Spyderco also offers a version of the SpyOpera with Micarta scales and M390 steel. What’s more, the success of the SpyOpera would also result in Spyderco once again linking up with LionSteel, that time to then produce the more tactical SpyMyto, so if you’re a fan of the SpyOpera we’d highly recommend checking out the SpyMyto. This Sprint Run SpyOpera also ships in a zipper-secured, padded nylon carrying case with a soft-lined interior and an embroidered Spyderco logo. 

I also feel like the single-batch-run, limited-edition status of this knife makes it all the more special. And, while this does also make them harder to get — and more expensive — you can still typically find them on eBay and the like even once they sell out. 

The Not So Good

After testing concluded, I checked my notes only to find I had very few negative things to say about the SpyOpera. Its carbon scales are a bit smooth and would benefit from some added texture in my opinion, but the ergonomics make up for this and it never felt like the knife was about to slip from my hand. It’s also a bit harder to close this knife with one hand, but it can be done, just requires a little more time and effort. I was more concerned, however, with this ultra-premium limited edition knife’s wire pocket clip. While it made be made from titanium, it just looks cheap compared to the rest of the super-top-shelf model. As such, I’d love to see a billet titanium clip in its place — which Spyderco actually offers on some knives like the Stovepipe.

I also found the pocket clip factor to be more disappointing when you consider the fact this knife carries a nearly-$600 MSRP. For that kind of money, I expect the very best of everything — and this knife does deliver on that in most areas, just not the clip in my opinion. There’s also no getting around the fact that that’s just a lot to spend on any knife. With all that said, if my main beef with this knife is its pocket clip — which provides plenty of retention and creates almost no hotspot whatsoever — then that should probably tell you just how much I still loved this knife as a whole. 

Verdict: Born out of a collaboration between Spyderco and LionSteel, the Sprint Run SpyOpera is a limited edition, Italian-made EDC knife with a gentlemanly appearance, world-class craftsmanship, and a spare-no-expense material selection. Though it doesn’t come cheap, it’s an extremely nice EDC knife — and an elegant addition to any collection. 

LionSteel ROK Damascus

Best Overall Pick: Though it’s admittedly a bold statement considering everything else currently out there, I’d still argue that the LionSteel ROK is easily one of the most unique and innovative EDC knives on the market. Meticulously crafted in Italy, the ROK boasts numerous noteworthy features that would all be impressive on their own, however, when combined, what you get is a true masterclass in contemporary pocket knife design that’s brought to life in a full-dress material selection. 

The Good

Sitting at the larger-end of the mid-size knife spectrum, the ROK clocks in at 7.80” overall and tips the scales at a substantial 5.75oz. When breaking down the Damascus version, it’s legitimately hard to even know where to start, so let’s just begin with the blade. Spanning 3.27”, the ROK’s blade features a drop point profile, a 0.18-inch thickness, and a stunning Scrambled-pattern stainless Damascus steel from the famed Chad Nichols. Made up of 200 layers, the blade is derived from a combination of AEB-L, 440C, pure nickel, and 304 stainless steel that have been painstakingly forged and then annealed. Lining up perfectly with the contour of the top of the handle when closed, the blade also boasts four small notches at the base of its spine that increase grip and control. 

In my experience, LionSteel only ships out blades with expertly-honed factory edges, and this rang even more true with the Damascus version of the ROK, as the edge on this layered item sank through paper with a level of ease I’ve only experienced on a handful of other knives in my lifetime — all of which were extremely high-end. It’s also worth mentioning that LionSteel makes more-than-half-a-dozen regular, markedly more affordable, non-Damascus ROK variants that feature Böhler M390 blade steel and color-anodized integral aluminum handles — but otherwise maintain every other element and feature on the knife. 

The blade is deployed via a flipper tab, and the action is good, but not great. It’s not bad by any means, it’s just that practically every other element of this knife is super-top-shelf, this one ordinary aspect stood out to me a bit. With that said, once I applied a bit of KPL’s pivot lube, the deployment was ridiculously smooth, so the ROK definitely has the potential to be tuned to perfection. The weight of the beefy blade also helps the blade to really kick out once it gets past the resistance of the detent, and it locks into place with a satisfying metallic “click” sound. The flipper tab is mated to the base of the blade via a single screw so it can be removed when carrying in regions where flipper knives aren’t legally permitted. 

As magnificent as its blade is, what really makes the ROK shine is its handle. Instead of using a standard handle construction — which consists of two handle slabs separated by a back-spacer or pins (and sometimes a liner) — this Italian-made tour-deforce in knife-making starts life as a solid block of grade 5 titanium billet that’s then machined down into a single piece (this is what’s known as an “integral handle”). A framelock mechanism has also been integrated into the mono-construction handle design before the entire thing was anodized and then near-mirror-polished. 

Two-thirds of the way up the handle there’s a small circular screw surrounded by a unique collar. When the blade is opened, the exterior collar can be rotated. This serves as a secondary-lock that adds extra security and additional strength by preventing the framelock bar from disengaging (unlocking). There are also two small recessed portions separated by a tiny nib on the rotating collar that make it super easy to turn, plus it allows you to see if the secondary lock is engaged or not. LionSteel has christened this system the “Rotoblock.” 

Though it may look fairly smooth from its polished finish — and to some extent it is — the various patterns and textures milled into the handle actually do a fantastic job of providing grip. The spine of the handle also has a slight curve to it, and there’s a slight S-shape on the bottom of the handle, as well. Because the blade thickness is so robust, the entire handle is a bit beefier than your average pocket knife’s handle. This added bit of handle thickness allows the knife to fit perfectly in your hand and provide some simply stellar ergonomics, whether carried normally or in a reverse grip. 

The show-side of the handle has the same basic shape as the off-side, though the former features a small cutout that acts as an ergonomic groove for your trigger finger, thereby increasing grip. This cutout also provides easier access to the integral model’s framelock mechanism. To help shave a bit of weight off of this admittedly heavy handle, LionSteel has milled out a trio of cutouts from the spine of the construction that also allow the blade’s edge to be seen when closed. The show-side also sports an ornate-looking pivot collar while the opposite side features a block off plate with no visible hardware and a layered “ROK” logo. All-in-all, it’s just a really impressively-engineered knife.

Supplementary Strengths

Though they make it substantially easier to quickly and reliably remove your knife from your pocket, a lot of pocket clips can create an uncomfortable point of contact pressed between your palm and the handle. — this is what’s referred to in the knife world as a “hotspot.” This becomes an even bigger issue when gripping the knife tightly during hard-use tasks. And it was ultimately the annoyance caused by hotspots that motivated LionSteel to engineer what it’s dubbed the HWAY — or “Hide What Annoys You” — pocket clip system. 

This system sees a recess in the handle’s off-side that allows the pocket clip to sit flush in the handle. On the bottom of the handle’s show-side (opposite the pocket clip), there’s a button that can be pushed in. This button connects to the top of the pocket clip, and when pressed causes the pocket clip to raise up out of the handle and provide a gap to slide over the brim of your pocket. 

The entire system is spring-loaded in order to apply pressure and retention, plus once you pull the knife from your pant pocket, the spring also causes the clip to automatically sink back into the handle and sit flush again. There when you need it, not there, creating hotspots, when you don’t. As another really cool — and seriously premium — touch on the Damascus version of the ROK, is that its pocket clip is crafted from matching Scrambled-pattern Damascus steel. This spare-no-expense touch really pushes the knife into full-dress territory in my eyes. 

And, while it may look like a straight-up show piece, the Damascus ROK is incredibly utilitarian and actually makes for a phenomenal EDC workhorse. Its blade sports a versatile drop point profile and is almost a-fifth-of-an-inch-thick, giving it remarkable strength and structural integrity. It also comes to a very stubby tip, hugely mitigating the chance of it snapping or chipping under hard use. It’s also armed with a grade 5 titanium integral handle, which is built like a tank, has a self-reinforced structure, and is fitted with a framelock mechanism that’s been integrated into its construction — along with a double-locking mechanism that practically transforms the thing into a fixed blade. 

These factors collectively make for an absurdly durable and hardwearing knife that can withstand even the most rigorous of hard-use tasks. I personally own the non-Damascus version of the ROK and I’ve used it to hammer-split logs on numerous occasions and it’s never had any problem standing up to the abuse — and doesn’t even exhibit any rattle afterwards. 

Coming out of Italy’s knife-making capitol and being produced by a renowned high-end brand, LionSteel’s Damascus version of the ROK also benefits from some pretty outstanding build quality. Also, whether it’s the pocket clip or blade, I love that the layers in the Damascus can be viewed from the top or side of the construction which is always satisfying to take in (and is a telltale sign you’re holding real layered Damascus steel). I also massively appreciate how LionSteel really aimed to raise the bar with the ROK, as they could have called it a day after giving the knife an integral handle, the double-lock, or the HWAY clip, but instead opted to deliver the most feature-laden, over-engineered everyday carry knife possible. 

The Not So Good

Even when made from titanium, one of the few downsides to an integral handle construction (above and beyond the exorbitant cost) is they’re almost always quite a bit heavier than multi-piece handles, and the ROK is no different. While I can’t blame the knife or LionSteel for this — and in some way it can even be viewed as a compliment — I was a little bothered by the prospect of subjecting such a beautiful, finely-crafted, high-end knife to hard-use tasks, as it just felt wrong, sorta like hardcore off-roading in a BRABUS AMG G63. This is made all the more frustrating by the fact that there’s zero part of me whatsoever that doubts whether it could stand up to the abuse. But again, I can’t fault LionSteel here. 

I love the innovative nature and creative design of the sunken pocket clip design, and how it completely eliminates hotspots, however, the HWAY system doesn’t provide anywhere near the level of retention offered by traditional clip designs. I never had the ROK fall out of my pocket, so there’s no denying it gets the job done, though I’d be really apprehensive about trusting the clip when jogging or riding a motorcycle.  The removable flipper tab feels a little superfluous to me — granted it doesn’t hinder performance or any aspect of the user experience.

While I personally love the full-dress appearance of this Damascus-steeled titanium integral knife, I had several coworkers tell me they thought it looked a bit gaudy and cheap. And I believe this is because the LionSteel ROK Damascus is what truck stop, smoke shop, and gas station knives are trying to emulate — only the Damascus-spec ROK is the real deal, through and through. It’s polished handle and layered blade have an appearance that’s a little loud and over-the-top, but it a stunning display knife and makes for a stellar crown jewel of a collection.

Verdict: Brimming with genuinely innovative features, the over-engineered LionSteel ROK may look like a show-piece but with a billet titanium integral handle, an integrated framelock, a secondary “Rotoblock” lock, and a beefy nearly-0.20-inch-thick blade, this marvel in knife-making is a workhorse through and through. 

Benchmade 290-241 Full Immunity Gold Class

Best Premium Pick: Just like Spyderco’s Sprint Run models, Benchmade produces its Gold Class knives for its most discerning customers by delivering new versions of existing blades that see their designs brought to fruition using super-top-shelf materials. When it comes to everyday carry, Benchmade’s Gold Class Full Immunity knife is an outstanding choice, as it’s premium enough to be a bonafide show piece while remaining just as functional as its non-Gold Class counterpart. 

The Good

Spanning just shy of 6.0” from tip-to-tip, the 290-241 Full Immunity is a sub-compact knife that, despite its size, punches well above its weight in terms utility and sheer power. Sporting a light tactical influence, the regular Full Immunity boasts a 2.49-inch Wharncliffe blade that’s been reproduced for this Gold Class variant in a stunning Ægir-pattern Damasteel. 

Getting its name from a giant in Norse mythology, this Ægir construction uses Damasteel’s DS95X-spec formula which is a stainless powder metallurgy steel made from a 304L and 316L base. Its pokey Wharncliffe blade offers incredible piercing and puncturing power, and with a thickness of just 0.9”, it also slices really well, too. 

Unlike regular basket weave carbon fiber handles, the scales on this Gold Class model are crafted from a more premium unidirectional carbon fiber that has all of its fibers running in a single parallel direction, creating a striking black wood-grain effect. These unidirectional carbon come mated to a full Sapphire blue PVD-coated liner that adds a dash of contrasting color as well as a ton of strength to the handle. You also get blacked-out hardware, a Sapphire blue PVD-coated pivot collar, Sapphire blue PVD-coated titanium thumb-studs, a Sapphire blue PVD-coated pocket clip, and a matching Sapphire blue PVD-coated lanyard bead as standard. 

Even though its handle spans less-than-3.50”, its ergonomics are legitimately on par with mid and full-sized knives I own. This is thanks to a trio of grooves running along the bottom of the handle to accommodate your ring, middle, and trigger fingers. The bottom of the handle features a wide-V-shape that your pinky can rest on. This not only increases grip and control, but it also enables this sub-compact folder to afford the grip of a much bigger blade. 

Since Benchmade’s patent on the AXIS lock expired a few years back, we’ve seen countless other knife brands deliver their own takes on this style of ambidextrous lock. And it wasn’t until using the Ambi-Slide lock on The James Brand’s The Carter that I realized just how perfectly-dialed-in Benchmade’s AXIS lock feels by comparison. It’s just noticeably smoother — and if I had to get, quite a bit stronger. 

Supplementary Strengths

There’s something that I definitely appreciate about this knife’s limited edition nature, and the fact that it’s only one out of one-thousand units ever being made. I also dig the production number out of the 1000 units that adorns each blade. And, while I personally prefer carrying it on its pocket clip, the included lanyard bead is also a nice touch —and one that I’m sure resonates with a many a EDC enthusiast. 

Made in America, the entire knife also benefits from Benchmade’s usual brand of stellar build quality. The price of this Gold Class model also includes a lifetime warranty, and Benchmade’s LifeSharp services which will clean, tune, resharpen, and even re-hone your blade, for free, for life, with shipping being the only thing that you’re on the hook for. 

For those interested in getting their hands on this knife but don’t wanna pay the steep price for the Damasteeled Gold Class variant, Benchmade also makes a regular version of the Full Immunity, as well as a Full Immunity Auto, and an Auto version with a shorter California-legal 1.95-inch-long blade — all of which feature anodized aluminum handles, matching lanyard beads, and CPM M4 blade steel. And while this was just a happy accident, I did very much notice that the Gold Class Full Immunity perfectly matches the Olight flashlights that I daily-carry — all of which feature black-anodized bodies with sapphire-colored accents and clip. 

The Not So Good

I ultimately don’t have all that many gripes with the 290-241, but there were a few. For starters, with a $600 MSRP, it comes at a really steep price. It’s not the most expensive knife on this list — not even close — but it’s still an objectively exorbitant price, even for a serialized, 1-of-1000 limited edition. Second, while it’s a capable workhorse of a sub-compact knife, I wish its blade was a tad thicker, as its 0.09-inch metric doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence for ultra-hard-use task — though the blade length limits this to some extent, too. 

My other main issue is with the blade’s contrast — or rather lack thereof. I don’t know if it stems from the acid etch bath process or what, but the visual difference between the Ægir-pattern Damasteel’s two base metals isn’t all that noticeable. And, I’d really like the layered nature of the Damascus to more obviously be on display — especially if I’m paying such a premium price to get my hands on it in the first place. With all that said, these two minor issues are massively outweighed by everything else this Gold Class folder has going for it. 

Verdict: The Benchmade 290-241 Full Immunity Gold Class is an elite, serialized limited edition take on a pocketable powerhouse of an EDC knife that gets the spare-no-expense material selection treatment. While it comes at a steep price, this isn’t just a highly functional compact knife, it’s a bonafide collectors item that’s practically guaranteed to hold its value — if not appreciate with time.  

Pro-Tech Oligarch 003

Best Semi-Custom Pick: Most supercar and hypercar owners are well aware of the fact that, despite making markedly more power and being substantially faster, their ultra-high-dollar vehicles don’t actually differ from regular rides in their basic ability to transport their user from A-to-B. Above and beyond their eye-catching, idiosyncratic appearance, a major part of the appeal of exotic cars is their highly-involved engineering and use of exotic materials. And while its basic utility doesn’t really differ from that of a budget knife, Pro-Tech’s Oligarch 003 is attractive to ultra-discerning knife collectors for many of the same reasons that affluent drivers are drawn to supercars, as this Damascus-steeled auto is just as much a feat of engineering and a piece of art just as much as it’s a knife. 

The Good

Spanning 7.5” overall, the Oligarch 003 is meticulously made in America and is constructed around a more ornate version of the standard Oligarch model handle, gaining additional machining lines in its handle depression. Bestowed with a blasted finish and hand satin flats to achieve a subtle two-tone look, the handle is also pieced together using recessed blue titanium hardware and sports a matching blue titanium tip-up deep-carry pocket clip. Rounding out the 003’s handle is a black lip pearl auto-firing button that’s both polished and inlaid entirely by hand. 

The Oligarch was penned by industry legend Dmitry Sinkevich and represents Pro-Tech’s first-ever collaboration with the famed Belarusian knifemaker. What really makes the handle special, however, is its 17-4 construction. Unquestionably of one of the highest grade stainless steels in existence, 17-4 is a ridiculously rugged, wildly dense, and tremendously strong alloy with otherworldly levels of hardness and corrosion resistance. In fact, 17-4 is more commonly reserved for extreme industrial uses such as aerospace applications and for making machine gun barrels. 

Unveiled at Blade Show Atlanta earlier this year, the Oligarch 003 forced the team out Pro-Tech to overcome a unique problem. After deciding they wanted to deliver a spare-no-expense version of the Oligarch with a Damascus blade and a 17-4 handle, they had to figure out how to actually produce it. Pro-Tech’s production utilizes some insanely tight tolerances — we’re talking three-times-thinner than a human hair — in order to craft the best possible knives. 

This created a dilemma, as the 17-4 handle would be absurdly difficult to mill once it was heat treated, as the already-super-hard stainless steel becomes even harder. On the other hand, if it was machined first, the heat treatment would cause the 17-4 to expand, greatly compromising its ultra-tight tolerances. In the end, Pro-Tech found the only way this knife could be delivered was to first heat treat the handle and then machine it into shape — despite the fact this process causes the company to go through/destroy a new CNC cutter every other handle.

Supplementary Strengths

The Oligarch’s ergonomics feel fantastic. The knife just feels really natural in-hand, and works just as well whether carried normally or clutched in a reverse grip. Even when gripped tightly, the pocket clip doesn’t create a major hotspot, too. I also love the jimping along the base of the blade’s spine. The grooves are deep enough to actually increase grip and control, without being overly rough on your hands. The spine of the handle follows this same motif, with a milled pattern running all the way down. 

The Oligarch 003’s blade is just as impressive as its handle. Spanning 3.25”, this 0.13-inch-thick sheepsfoot profile item is comprised of a roughly 150-layer Virus-pattern stainless Damascus construction derived from an amalgamation of 440C, 304, nickel, and AEB-L. This hand-forged Damascus steel comes courtesy of Chad Nichols out of Blue Springs, Mississippi. Any knife nerd will no doubt be familiar with Nichols’ work, as he unequivocally forges some of the finest modern Damascus steel that money can buy. 

The blade shape is also perfect for EDC. It’s pointy and pokey enough to have no problem piercing or penetrating, and its belly has enough curve to it to allow for equally competent slicing abilities. And, as you’d expect from a $1,000 limited edition knife, the Oligarch 003 ships with an almost irresponsibly sharp factory edge. One of my co-workers tried it out an even remarked “I didn’t know a pocket knife could be this sharp.” This semi-custom auto is made all the more special — and all the more exclusive — by the fact that its production is limited to only 100 units worldwide (plus the prototype unit that I had the pleasure of testing). 

Just like every other Pro-Tech knife I’ve ever used, tested, owned, or carried, the Oligarch 003’s craftsmanship and build quality is pretty off-the-charts. What’s more, in typical Pro-Tech fashion, the Oligarch 003 kicks like a mule, with an ultra-snappy blade deployment that’s clearly backed by a powerful set of springs. It’s not so extreme that it feels like the knife wants to jump out of your hand, but it’s damn strong. When discussing the 003-spec, it’s also very much worth mentioning that Pro-Tech produces a regular version of the Oligarch with an aluminum handle and a CPM MagnaCut blade, but is otherwise identical. 

The Not So Good

In my opinion, the Oligarch 003 is about as close to perfect as a semi-custom knife can get. My issues with the thing mostly stem from its price. While its top-shelf materials and highly-involved manufacturing process definitely help to justify its exorbitant MSRP, there’s just no getting around the fact that this knife comes at an almost ridiculously high price. Because of its value, I found carrying the 003 to be a somewhat stressful experience, as I was constantly worried about dropping or damaging it — not unlike how it feels to pilot a supercar. 

At over 5oz, Pro-Tech’s Oligarch 003 is also pretty hefty, at least for knife of this size. I actually enjoyed its added heft, as I found it to be a constant reminder of its super-cool 17-4 handle construction, though I imagine some may be bothered by its weight. The only other real downside to this knife that I can think of is the fact that it can be difficult to get your hands on as only 100 units were ever made — though this is also just the nature of limited edition knives, so I can’t really fault Pro-Tech for this. 

Verdict: Restricted to only 100 units globally, the Pro-Tech Oligarch 003 is spare-no-expense semi-custom automatic out-the-side knife that stands as just as much of a work of art and feat of engineering as it is a capable and utilitarian EDC blade. With a Chad Nichols blade and a 17-4 stainless steel handle, there really isn’t much out there that’s comparable to the 003. Sure, it comes at a steep price, but getting your hands on the very best typically does. 

Damascus EDC Knives Comparison Chart

What Exactly Is Damascus Steel?

Put very simply, Damascus steel is a type of steel construction that’s comprised of two of more different metal alloys that have been repeatedly folded dozens and dozens and dozens of times over. This process begins with creating a series of metal bars of varying constructions (sometimes as many as 5 or 6) and turning them into what’s known as a billet — i.e. a solid block of metal. Said billet is first heated before then being hammered and folded, over and over and over again, dozens and dozens and dozens of times with some Damascus steels getting several hundred folds.

Once cooled, this folded multi-alloy construction is then cleaned, prepped, and acid-etched. Based on the composition of each type of metal in a Damascus steel, these alloys will react differently to the oxidization and etching processes, giving each one a lighter or darker appearance that allows it to better contrast the other metals in the billet. This process of repeatedly folding different alloys many times over is what gives Damascus steel its unique appearance and visual pattern — the latter of which is even more noticeable once the material is honed into a blade, as shaving off portions better reveals the underlying pattern. Over time, some of today’s most eminent makers of Damascus steel have discovered novel sequences or patterns of folding that result in idiosyncratic Damascus patterns or motifs. Titanium can also be used as a base for Damascus steel, resulting in what’s referred to as “Timascus” or “Timascus Steel.”

What Makes Damascus Steel So Special?

The reality is that, aside from its admittedly unique and eye-catching pattern, there isn’t anything inherently special about Damascus steel. What determines the quality or properties of any Damascus steel ultimately boils down to the particular alloys that were utilized to create it in the first place. If you combine multiple high-end blade steels such as RWL34, XHP, M390, or S110V, you’ll get a high-quality top-shelf Damascus steel, however, if you combine more budget steels like 1055, AUS-8, or 8Cr13MoV, the end result will be a cheaper overall Damascus steel. In the same vein, Damascus can also be stainless or non-stainless, again, depending on the alloys that it’s composed of (and if said alloys are stainless or non-stainless). 

With its unique, more elaborate appearance, Damascus steel is often reserved for top-shelf variants of knives. Generally speaking, most high-end knives with Damascus-steeled blades will boast top-shelf Damascus compositions — many of which advertise the exact type of Damascus steel being used. Additionally, unlike alloys that have been anodized or cloaked in a coating or finish, a Damascus steel’s pattern can’t be scratched off, as it’s owed to the folds in the metal. This layered/pattern factor also makes Damascus steel an ideal choice for handle inlays, pocket clips, and other hardware elements on super-premium knives. 

Which Damascus Steel Is Best For EDC Knives?

While some of this comes down to personal preference, the best Damascus steels are the more high-end layered constructions on that market. Because so many Damascus-steeled knives don’t cite the composition or source of their Damascus blade, a great way to ensure that you’re getting your hands on a genuinely top-shelf Damascus is to purchase a knife with a blade from a reputable producer like Damasteel or Chad Nichols Damascus. 

Why is Damascus Steel So Expensive?

There are several reasons that Damascus steel typically comes at such a high price. Most high-end Damascus steels are comprised of multiple high-end base blade steels, which don’t come cheap. These expensive alloys then have to be reworked into a billet before being repeatedly hammered and folded into their final form — an incredibly laborious process that takes an incredibly long time and can be made all the more difficult by the fact that many ultra-hard high-end blade steels are notoriously difficult to work with. And, just like with other high-end proprietary constructions like Dyneema, GORE-TEX, or CORDURA, it’s not uncommon to pay a premium when getting ultra-top-shelf proprietary/name brand Damascus steel from outfits like Chad Nichols Damascus and Swedish company Damasteel.

Is Damascus Steel Harder To Care For?

Just like its performance or edge-retention properties, a Damascus steel’s maintenance ease and needs are owed to the types of alloys that a particular Damascus steel is comprised of — and how the whole blade is heat-treated. Generally speaking, assuming it’s a high-end Damascus steel, it will be a little more difficult to care for, as it will need to be cleaned and dried more frequently than a regular single-alloy blade, plus will almost certainly be a headache to sharpen, considering ultra-hard high-end blade steels like M390 or CPM 3V require far more time to sharpen compared too steels like 154CM and D2. 

Honorable Mentions 

Sporting a unique Damascus blade with an almost topographic-esque pattern, the SOG Terminus XR Damascus is a value-laden folder with an XR lock and a handle made from a combination of carbon fiber and G-10. While we were impressed with how this knife performed, it ultimately lost out to the CIVIVI Elementum for our best budget pick — relegating it to an honorable mention. With that said, if you’re shopping for a Damascus blade on a budget, this is still a model we’d urge you to consider. 

Though the Victorinox Classic SD Brilliant Damast admittedly doesn’t feature a Damascus steel blade, it does sport scales that are crafted from genuine Damasteel — plus the whole thing comes standard with a cross and shield charm. While it was worth including as an honorable mention, this entry simply doesn’t offer anywhere near the same level of performance as any of our main picks. 

A while back we tested over-a-dozen automatic OTF knives only to discover that the Kershaw Livewire was a one of the best options on the market. So, while it’s an unorthodox pick for a Damascus EDC knife, we’d still recommend considering Kershaw’s Damascus Livewire OTF model, especially if you want a more tactical option that still boasts a layered blade. 

The Böker Plus ME 109 Damast is a knife with a past life. On top of boasting a titanium chassis and framelock with a Fatcarbon Junglewear scale on its show side, this limited edition knife features an 80-layer Damascus blade that Chad Nichols has made from a combination of high-carbon steel and metal recovered from an E-series Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter jet that was shot down by a Royal Airforce Supermarine Spitfire at the Battle of Britain in 1940. 

The Chris Reeve Sebenza is a bonafide grail pocket knife that’s loved by legions of EDC enthusiasts. The immense popularity of these knives and their small batch production makes the regular Sebenza 31 tough to get your hands on, though the Damascus-steel Sebenza 31 variant — which features a Chad Nichols Raindrop-pattern construction — is even rarer. As such, we were unable to source a sample for testing, forcing us to make it an honorable mention. That aside, if you get a chance to purchase one of these we’d recommend taking it, was you can always sell it for what you paid for it down the road — if not for a bit more. 

Tested: The Best Automatic Knives for Everyday Carry

If you appreciate the more exotic nature of Damascus knives, you may also enjoy the curated selection of blades that make up our review and hands-on guide to the best automatic EDC knives.