Damascus hunting knife Tsuchime 130 by Izumi Ichiago

I'm extremely pleased with this knife. It is a full tang construction, both scales ( ebony and red burl wood ) are excellent, there are no "steps" between them and the brass guard fits great. The blade is stamped on the ricasso with "VG-10" on one side and on the other the maker's logo and " Damast SEKI JAPAN" (you'll need a magnifying glass to see it but I assure you they're there). This is not the cheap "damascus steel" that has flooded the market... The blade is truly beautiful, it came very sharp but after some sharpening with my stones, it took a crazy sharp edge and it was a joy to sharpen! All said, it is a nice solid knife, comfortable to hold and very well made. I have something like 50 knives, and I still have to see this quality at this price... Thumbs up for the seller too! Great to deal with and very helpful!

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed, but perhaps my expectations were too high. The quality of the knife is sturdy and nice looking, but too many details show mediocrity rather than excellence. If it weren't for the pattern on the blade, I'd say this is a $30 knife. The two varieties of wood of the handle, the inset metal dividing line, and the brass guard are not flush. You can easily see and feel the uneven meeting points. In some spots, you can slip a fingernail into the gap. Still, the wood and brass are handsome, and the blade thickness and knife's heft gives a feel of sturdy quality. The handle is too squared off in its cross-section to feel properly finished. I think one of the big difficulties in buying a Damascus blade is that there is no consensus definition of "Damascus steel." The questions about it's original manufacturing method and historic origin allow for a slippery use of the term, therefore allowing for abuse of the term. I've read about laser etching, pattern welding, acid etching and other ways of reproducing a Damascus-like look. Some claim these are bona fide reproductions of an ancient process, and others scream "counterfeit!" No one can seem to nail down the definition. So which method is this knife? I don't know. I'm neither a knife snob, nor an ignorant immature weapons nut. This knife looks nice and feels sturdy, and the pattern is handsome. There is no layering pattern in the sharpened bevel area, nor on the back of the blade or tang. I don't know enough to say if that's significant or not. So I can't get rid of the little voices in the back of my head that keep whispering "you got taken" or "you got a good deal" for the money. And yes, the sheath is kind of ho-hum, but not awful.

The knife is good looking, the edge is perfect. The scales and the metal insert between the wood seem a bit rough, kind of edgy, ill finished. It’d be nicer if the handle were rounded and tapered on the metal guard towards the blade so the thumb seated more confortable.

This knife feels very well made. The blade appears to be full-tang (the blade extends all the way into the wooden handle). The grip sits well and is very smooth. Overall a great knife. The sheath has the maker's name etched into it as well as a symbol (I'm assuming it is the maker's symbol). I'm somewhat disappointed by the sheath's construction, because the leather is smooth. But, that is strictly a personal preference. As far as the damascus pattern itself, I can't tell if this blade was given the pattern by the forging process or if it was added later with acid. Eitherway, I'm happy with the purchase. It is a great knife for the collection.

Looks better in pictures. Fit and finish is not the best. I think it's over priced should be a 35-40 dollar knife, I paid more than twice that.

Great knife full tang,beautiful workmanship ,can't go wrong for the price! The reviews on this knife sold me,I agree the sheath is not much but I didn't purchase it for the sheath.Thanks for the honest reviews! Buy one you will love it

I recommend a good product.

I am waiting for its arrival, I have always wanted this knife in my knife collection, but just might take it in the field (hunting). Makes a impressive gift to someone who you respect. Japan has come such a long way in quality and craftsmanship. Hopefully Pakistan will follow. this is the real deal, real damascus and quality woods. This knife is made to use. You are getting a knife worth more than what your paying.