This handmade Damascus folding knife opens with a nail-nick, and the back lock clicks firmly at 3 inches of layered Damascus blade. The camel bone handle sits warm and solid in a bare hand, with a texture no composite material reproduces. At 6.5 inches overall, this is a knife built to be carried.

At JWSteelCrafts, we get a lot of questions about this style. So let's break down what makes it special, what's inside the build, and why it earns a spot in both a pocket and a collection.

What Exactly Is This Backtrail Damascus Lockback Set?

This handmade Damascus steel folding knife is crafted for everyday carry, outdoor use, and serious collectors. Each blade is individually hand-forged from high-quality Damascus steel, producing a naturally layered pattern with excellent edge retention and long-term durability. This knife fits perfectly within our curated handmade folding knife collection.

The 3-inch blade opens via a traditional nail nick, a detail that distinguishes hand-finished folders from production pieces. The spine carries decorative hand-cut file work, and the edge ships sharp, ready to cut.

Why Five Handle Options Still Matter

The primary handle option is natural camel bone, which shows cream-to-tan color variation and fine surface texture in every piece. Four additional handle materials are available at checkout: Red Pakka Wood, Green Pakka Wood, Blue Pakka Wood, and Dark Wood. All five options share the same blade, bolster, and back-lock construction, so the choice comes down entirely to look and feel.

Damascus Steel: More Than Just a Pretty Pattern

The blade is hand-forged Damascus steel with a naturally layered wave pattern that runs the full length of the flat. Each blade develops its own pattern during forging, so no two look the same. The layered Damascus structure holds its sharpness longer than a machine-stamped blade of the same geometry.

Back Lock Build, and Ready for Everyday Carry

The back-lock mechanism holds the blade open and releases from the spine with your thumb, without a grip change. The steel bolster shifts the balance point near the pivot and keeps the tip controlled on detail cuts, making it well suited for opening packages, trimming cordage, food prep at camp, cleaning birds in the field, and light outdoor work.

Specifications

Blade Length	Approx. 3.0 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 6.5 Inches
Blade Steel	Hand-Forged Damascus Steel
Blade Finish	Naturally Layered Damascus Wave Pattern
Blade Detail	Decorative File Work Along the Spine
Opening Method	Traditional Nail-Nick
Handle Material	Camel Bone (Natural) with Steel Pins and Steel Bolster
Handle Options	Camel Bone, Red Pakka Wood, Green Pakka Wood, Blue Pakka Wood, Dark Wood
Lock Type	Back Lock
Includes	Hand-Stitched Genuine Leather Sheath
Ships From	USA
Brand	JWSteelCrafts

FAQ’s

Q1: What steel is the blade made from?

The blade is hand-forged Damascus steel, made by folding and welding multiple steel layers under a hammer. The process creates a naturally layered wave pattern unique to each blade.

Q2: Is every knife unique?

Yes, every Damascus blade develops a one-of-a-kind pattern during the hand-forging process, and camel bone grain and coloration also vary naturally between pieces.

Q3: Can I choose a different handle material?

Yes, five handle options are available at checkout: Camel Bone (Natural), Red Pakka Wood, Green Pakka Wood, Blue Pakka Wood, and Dark Wood. The blade, lock, bolster, and sheath are the same across all five.

Q4: Does the knife come with a sheath?

Yes, a hand-stitched genuine leather sheath is included with every knife at no extra cost.

Q5: Is this knife legal to carry in the US?

Folding knives are permitted in most US states, but laws vary by state, county, and city, so always check your local knife laws before carrying any blade in public.

Handmade Backtrail Damascus Lockback Set with Different Handle Options

Available Options