Damascus Tanto with Carbon Fiber and Zirconium - Mastersmith Test Knife

Product Description for Damascus Tanto with Carbon Fiber and Zirconium - Mastersmith Test Knife

Maker: Erik McCright, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $1,250.00
Item num: 112955
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 6.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 6.10 in.
Total length: 11.30 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.93 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.19 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 8.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 13.4 oz.
Blade: Turkish twist damascus forged from 1080 and 15N20 carbon steel
Bolster: Heat colored zirconium
Handle: Carbon fiber set on a full tang
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Description: Erik McCright is a bladesmith from Weatherford, Texas. He specializes in all types of fixed blades. From hunters, fighters, and bowies, to high performance kitchen knives and daggers, Erik makes them all. Erik was honored to be accepted into the elite ranking of Mastersmith by the American Blade Society in June of 2025. Erik has always had a creative mind and worked with his hands. He’s worked with a variety of materials from wood to metal, and even glass fiber-reinforced concrete. He first became curious about knives in 2017, and took a knifemaking class with Murray Carter. Erik’s wife says that was the gateway to obsession. Through his learning career he has found inspiration for his work from a number of people including Josh Fisher, Burt Foster, Andrew Meers, and Shawn McIntyre. With the mentorship of such world class makers, it’s no surprise it only took him eight years to achieve Mastersmith rating!
This Japanese-inspired tanto was made by Erik for his mastersmith test at the 2025 Blade Show. When a journeyman smith tests to become a master smith, five knives are created that will be judged for fit, finish and artistry. The maker often spends many times longer creating these knives than for other knives in their career, realizing that they will be under such scrutiny. These five knives are generally considered to be the most collectible knives of a maker's career.
The 6-1/3 inch blade is forged from Erik's own Turkish twist Damascus, combining 1080 and 15N20 carbon steel to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. The fine pattern shows Erik's exquisite talent at the forge and is perfectly executed. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. Erik's touchmark is on the left side of the blade. We recommend using camellia oil to protect the knife from rust.
Carbon fiber handle scales are set on the full tang using torx screws. The scales are heirloom fit to the tang and heat colored zirconium bolsters. The hand contoured handle provides a comfortable grip with no hot spots.
A zipper case is included for safe storage.
Excellent work throughout!


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