The James Brand had well established itself as a major player in the EDC space by the time it dropped the Barnes in 2021. Sporting a framelock CNC‑machined from a single solid billet of 6AL4V titanium, the brand’s first-ever integral folder took their form-meets-function minimalist aesthetic and leveled up everything, allowing TJB to step firmly into an arena more associated with boutique custom‑knife makers.
If you thought $650 was a lot for the Barnes already, behold the latest addition, which swaps in a coveted blade material while also doubling the price tag, literally.
Swedish Super Steel Takes Center Stage
The standout feature here is the Hakkapella Damasteel DS93X blade (a pattern named after Finnish cavalry), a Swedish-made pattern-welded steel that’s become something of a grail material for collectors. Beyond the undeniably gorgeous wavy patterns, Damasteel brings superior edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness that makes the standard M390 version look pedestrian by comparison. It’s a heck of an upgrade, especially considering M390 was already a solid choice.
Inadvertently complementary, TJB’s dark stonewashed titanium handle plays perfectly against the blade’s flowing patterns. The aggressive machined texture covering the scales gives you serious grip without feeling too tactical, staying true to the brand’s clean aesthetic. At 4.6oz with a 3.5-inch drop point blade, it’s a pretty great all-around folder.
Integral Excellence
As an integral design, the Barnes eliminates the traditional backspacer and scales in favor of one-piece construction. Fewer parts mean less maintenance and structural integrity that standard folders can’t touch. For those who’ve never had the pleasure, the blade runs on ceramic bearings around a stainless steel pivot, giving you deployment that feels like smooth, fast, and consistent. Dual thumb studs gives it ambidextrous deployment while maintaining those symmetrical lines.
The machined titanium pocket clip features TJB’s signature paint-filled Clovis detail, and the included paracord lanyard gives you an extra carry option. Each knife also ships with the brand’s first die-cast double-sided coin, an homage to the old superstition about gifting knives.
This isn’t TJB’s first rodeo with Damasteel on the Barnes — they dropped 20 units of a Snakeskin Copper version in 2024 for $1,449 — but this stonewashed iteration feels like the one that will resonate most with daily carriers rather than serving as a display piece.
Spec Sheet
Model: The Barnes Stonewash + Damasteel
Blade Steel: Damasteel DS93X Hakkapella
Blade Length: 3.5″
Closed Length: 4.5″
Handle Material: One-piece integral 6AL-4V titanium (dark stonewashed)
Lock Style: Integral frame-lock with hardened steel lockface insert
Bearings: Ceramic
Weight: 4.6 oz
Opening Style: Dual-sided thumb stud
Clip: CNC-machined titanium with paint-filled Clovis detail
Lanyard: Paracord included
Price: $1,299
Pricing & Availability
The Barnes Stonewash + Damasteel is available now through The James Brand’s website for $1,299.
Recap
The James Brand Barnes Stonewash + Hakkapella Damasteel
The James Brand just dropped a Damasteel version of their Barnes integral folder that swaps the M390 blade for gorgeous Swedish Hakkapella steel — it’s one of the most premium iterations yet, though you’re paying $1,299 for the upgrade.
