PIKAS - Don Carlos Friedr Herder Carbon Steel 2-3/8" Non-locking Blade with Hook Folding Pocket Knife 0106-08,50

The most important spec of a knife is the type and grade of steel used in the blade. Carbon steel is hard due to the carbon atom in the matrix which means it can take a keen edge and hold it longer than other steel alloys. That's the blade. The handle is a basic, unfinished hardwood which you'll want to start rubbing down with boiled linseed oil. It's a classic design with a classic choice of materials solidly constructed. A simple, but effective, safety feature is the button on either side of the blade pivot. To close the blade safely you pinch the buttons between the left hand thumb & fore finger then fold the blade closed with the right hand.

The spring is extremely strong making it very difficult to open and causing it to snap closed with unnecessary and dangerous force. And yes, I have carried and used slip joint knives since I was a kid so I know how a slip joint knife is supposed to operate.

This knife is very sharp without being touched by a stone. The blade is unusual with a finger shaped notch in the rear on the bottom of the blade. It too is very sharp. It is made in Germany and the creators name is etched in the blade. A very versatile knife.

A very nice knife but not a 'finished' product. The blade is not buffed out on the sides or sharpened and the wood is rough, raw and overhangs the metal. Good quality steel with tight tolerances - it is a full on work knife for heavy use, the notch for making and sharpening pegs is a great feature. The style is very German it reminds me of fixed blade knives of the 30's&40's. No Regrets.

I love these German knives, specialized, carbon steel, at least the Don Carlos line, sharp, can be made sharper, nice working slabs, not coated. Doesn't lock as in those days nobody had locks on their knives.

Fine German knife easy to sharpen

I liked quality and prompt delivery.