The handle is the shining feature of this knife, even considering the beautiful damascus blade. The titanium framelock's show side is milled to reveal as much of the wood and resin as possible. The wood grain and swirl of resin are quite beautiful and smooth to the touch. I was initially concerned that dropping my knife might cause cracking or damage to the handle, but it feels like they've stabilized the materials enough to prevent any potential mishaps. The polished pivot is a nice touch, and a great choice compared to other knives that expose a torx screw.
On the flip side, we have the framelock and pocket clip. The titanium has a matte finish with enough texture to provide a secure grip. The lock features the standard steel insert with an over travel stop. The pocket clip is very slim and milled from titanium. It slides in and out of the pocket smoothly, making it a better choice than bulkier clips. I'm not sure who Carved's OEM is, but they've done an exceptional job.
The blade is a drop-point design crafted from damascus steel. Damascus steel is prized for its stunning patterns, a testament to the skill of the blade smith. I contacted Carved to inquire about the composition of their damascus steel, something that interests knife enthusiasts. While most casual users might not care, knife aficionados appreciate these details. The damascus is made from 316L and 5Cr15Mov steel with a 440b core. Interestingly, I would have expected at least a 440c core. Other companies like Kansept use two steels for pattern welding, both with a composition similar to 440c steel. Whoever manufactures these blades for Carved chose to use a combination of 420-ish and 300-series steel damascus sandwiched around a 440b core in a San Mai style.
How does the blade perform? It's adequate for everyday tasks like opening mail or cutting loose strings. However, the steel's performance doesn't quite match its beauty. It's important to remember that this knife isn't designed for heavy-duty use or as a box cutter. The blade, while beautifully designed, is rather thick for its size. This thickness hinders its slicing ability. On the positive side, the flipper and bearing pivot make deployment smooth and effortless.
Overall, this knife is a visually stunning and easy-to-use piece. However, its performance suffers slightly. The entire package showcases the high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail that Carved is known for. This knife is ideal for those who want to complement formal wear or use it for special occasions. While it might not be the best choice for an everyday carry knife, it would make a great gift for someone special.
