Specs:

Overall Length: 7.80" (198mm)

Blade Length: 3.30" (84mm)

Blade Thickness: 0.126" (3.2mm)

Blade Material: 154CM

Blade Shape: Drop Point

Blade Grind: Flat Grind

Blade Finish: Stonewashed

Handle Material: Micarta (also available in G-10)

Lock Type: Button Lock

Weight: 4.5oz (128g)

Designer: Adrian D'Souza (Damned Designs)


Handle & Ergonomics

The handle design is straightforward and leans on the heavy curves. The back of the handle has a gentle arc, cradling the palm comfortably, while the generous finger groove and subtle ridges create a natural, locked-in grip. Despite the Invictus being named after something unyielding, the handle doesn’t go overboard with aggressive texturing or heavy jimping. Instead, it balances class and functionality beautifully.

Micarta wraps the scales, giving it that velvety texture we've all come to love. It’s a material that ages with the user, absorbing oils from the hand and the environment, developing a unique patina over time. I know some people might go "eww" at the thought, but for me, that character and personalization make micarta even more appealing. If it’s not your thing, a little dish soap and water will reset it back to new. The material is soft in hand, making the Invictus incredibly comfortable during prolonged use.

The deep-carry pocket clip is a solid addition, positioned well enough to avoid hotspots. It’s a design we’ve seen across Damned Designs’ lineup, maintaining a cohesive look. While it’s not reversible, it sits flush against the handle and does its job without fuss.

Blade Performance

The Invictus features a beautifully executed drop point blade in 154CM steel. This steel, while considered an "aging" super steel, is still a strong contender and widely used in budget-friendly, mid-tier knives. It’s well heat-treated here, holding an edge respectably before needing maintenance.

The high flat grind makes the blade an excellent slicer, and it absolutely plowed through cardboard at work without hesitation. The tip is fine enough for precision cuts, while the relatively straight edge handled slicing tasks well, even though it lacks a pronounced belly. It handled cutting flat cordage with ease, though I wouldn’t call it the best option for deep, rocking cuts.

Deployment & Locking Mechanism

The button lock is a common feature in Damned Designs’ lineup, and it’s easy to see why—it makes one-handed operation effortless. That said, I’ve always been on the fence about button locks due to their sometimes weaker blade retention and less secure lock-up compared to frame or liner locks. However, the Invictus performs well in this regard. The blade stays put when closed, and I wasn’t able to shake it loose, which is something that plagues weaker button locks. The lock-up is solid, and I didn’t notice any significant blade play.

For deployment, the Invictus sticks to a single deployment method—a flipper tab. I actually like this. In an era where knives are crammed with multiple opening options, sometimes it’s refreshing to see a clean, purpose-driven design. The ball-bearing pivot ensures the blade flies open effortlessly with just a light-switch-style flick. It’s incredibly smooth, requiring little effort to deploy.

Final Thoughts

The Invictus is a fantastic collaboration between Adrian D'Souza (Damned Designs) and Kizer, two brands known for producing well-designed, high-value knives. It embodies everything Damned Designs stands for—aesthetic consistency, practical usability, and a rugged yet refined look. If you’ve been eyeing one of Adrian’s designs but don’t know where to start, this is a great way to get into the brand without breaking the bank. It’s a well-built, well-executed knife that blends style with function, making it a worthy addition to any collection.