Heat Colored Mosaic Damascus Bowie with Turkish Walnut
Mastersmith Test Knife

Product Description for Heat Colored Mosaic Damascus Bowie with Turkish Walnut
Mastersmith Test Knife

Maker: Neels van den Berg, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $3,000.00
Item num: 111377
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 9.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 8.80 in.
Total length: 14.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.27 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.23 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 9.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 26.6 oz.
Blade: Mosaic damascus forged from 1075 and 75Ni8 carbon steel with a heat colored finish
Bolster: Stainless steel
Handle: Turkish walnut
Sheath: Zipper case
Description: Neels van den Berg was honored to become Africa's third mastersmith in June 2022. Van den Berg is a powerhouse and creates some of the most dramatic forged knives coming out of South Africa. Visiting Neels' workshop on visits to South Africa is a real treat. His forge is pretty much in the middle of nowhere -- or at least if you kept driving down the road, that is clearly where it would end. The twisting road travels through beautiful veldt populated by zebra and other wild animals. Neels is well known for his war hammers, spike hawks, and highly refined art knives. This exceptional Bowie was made as part of Neels' Mastersmith set.
When a bladesmith tests to become a mastersmith, five knives are made by the applicant that are the height of his work. These knives are judged by ABS mastersmiths on fit and finish, as well as general artistry. The standards are exacting. Becoming a mastersmith is often considered the height of a career in knifemaking.
This elegant bowie shows van den Berg's work at its best. The blade is forged from his own mosaic damascus, beginning with 1075 and 75Ni8 carbon steels. The heat colored blade shows tremendous color moving throughout the steel. Neel's touchmark is on the left side of the blade. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp.
The coffin handle is Turkish walnut contoured to provide a comfortable grip. This exotic wood has beautiful figure and is typically reserved for some of the world's finest firearms. The handle is heirloom fit to damascus spacers and a polished stainless steel central spacer. The handle is finished with a stainless steel guard.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days