Damascus user folder!

[Comeuppance]

I'm keen to get a damascus knife for carry and use - something I can use with confidence (not a thin blade!) and isn't assisted or automatic. It still needs a pocket clip, a lock, a blade over 3" (ideally 3.5"+), and a steel hardness that's at least around AUS8 - any suggestions?

The Skyline is out because of the thin blade stock, short blade, and thin handle with only one metal liner. I've looked at the Shallot and Leek - especially the leek because of the utilitarian blade shape - but I have some concerns about successful de-assisting (gotta be manual!).

The Mcusta Tactility is the best option I found after doing a search for "damascus" on bladeHQ, aside from some intriguing fixed blade options I'll have to check out later. Grindworx puts out some affordable stuff.

Tactility, with a 3.5" blade, tip-up carry, interesting handle, and a VG-10 damascus steel blade:

My price range is roughly $150, but give a lot of breathing room on that as I'm patient and will wait to find a good deal. I'm liking a lot about the tactility, but I'm sure there are more utilitarian (read: straight-edged) options out there...?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Since you mentioned Mcusta, you could check out the Large Tsuchi. It's a steel framelock, however tip down carry only. Very good build quality, not a sebenza, but you get your money's worth. They're kinda rare, but they're out there.

 

[Skywalker31]

It's not out yet, but there should be a Damascus/Titanium Endura4 out from Spyderco in the near future, with a VG-10 core. If the Endura's handle isn't too skinny and you don't mind the pattern, it might be something to look at.

The Delica in the same setup is already released: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Delica-4-Titanium-Damascus--14671

Endura should be out soon, but it's not exactly clear when: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Endura-4-Lockback-Knife--24014

 

[Comeuppance]

It's not out yet, but there should be a Damascus/Titanium Endura4 out from Spyderco in the near future, with a VG-10 core. If the Endura's handle isn't too skinny and you don't mind the pattern, it might be something to look at.

The Delica in the same setup is already released: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Delica-4-Titanium-Damascus--14671

Endura should be out soon, but it's not exactly clear when: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Endura-4-Lockback-Knife--24014

Hmmm. I may have to overcome my aversion to lockbacks for the sake of the blade shape... It's tied with the Tactility in price and size, but the Endura's blade is certainly more oriented towards getting some damned work done, as opposed to the Tactility kinda looking like a gentleman's shiv.