A good knife is something I’ve long cherished. Since my youth long ago, I’ve always tried to have a good knife either in my pocket or on my belt, and I’ve gone through many of them over the years. I’ve never been an expert knife sharpener, though I’ve tried through the years. I’ve had plenty of instruction, and after dulling a blade I can generally obtain a fairly good edge, but it takes some work.
For years I was on a quest to find the sharpest knife I could find that wouldn’t easily lose its edge even under grueling circumstances. I found that knife a while back.
I’ve used several models of DiamondBlade knives over the years, and there’s no question they’re the sharpest blades I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. Not only are they incredibly sharp right out of the box, they maintain that edge long after most knives would have given out.
The secret behind DiamondBlade’s success in maintaining a blade edge is its patented Friction Forged technology. Basically, this technology is a localized forging process concentrating on the blade’s edge zone using high pressure and heat. According to DiamondBlade, “Friction Forging uses “nanosized” steel grain microstructures and, consequently, the finest cutting edge known to man”. The process creates a corrosion-proof edge zone by altering the steel’s molecular structure and elevating the chromium content in the steel’s ferrite grain structure. I know it’s the finest cutting edge I’ve ever experienced. Not only are DiamondBlade knives sharp, they’re beautifully made.
McMillan U.S.A. has long been known for producing fine firearms, rifle stocks and accessories. Their rifle stocks include pieces for tactical use, hunting and sport, benchrest and competition, among others. Needless to say, the company is deep-seated in the firearms and accessories industry.
Sometime back, McMillan teamed up with DiamondBlade to produce a line of hunting knives. These knives obviously utilize DiamondBlade technology and are designed to be premium hunting blades. The McMillan Hunting knife features a four-inch drop-point blade engraved with the McMillan logo. The overall length of the knife is 8.7 inches and it weighs in a 5.5 ounces. The knife handle features very nicely done mosaic handle pins, tapered handle tang and handcrafted fit and finish. The blade edge is 65-68 Rockwell hardness, and 45 spine hardness. The blade features NP3 Anti-Corrosion treatment.
The McMillan Caping knife is a smaller blade perfect for the finer work necessary when caping a trophy animal. The knife’s point allows for fine, detailed work when skinning an animal headed to the taxidermist. This fine little knife is made exclusively for McMillan by DiamondBlade and features the same Friction Forged technology as the McMillan Hunting knife, and all DiamondBlade knives.
Several years ago a number of writers and I were invited to a ranch in South Texas to hunt Nilgai with McMillan and DiamondBlade. I’d never hunted Nilgai and was quite happy to be a part of the deal. One of the purposes of the hunt was for McMillan and DiamondBlade to demonstrate the effectiveness of their knives. Along with the McMillan, a DiamondBlade folder, the Springbok Standard, was used.
Nilgai are extremely tough animals, both to knock down and to skin and dress. The McMillan Hunting knife was quite impressive. Five animals, as I recall, were completely dressed with one knife before it showed any signs of dulling. The folder performed nearly as well.
A friend from Southern New Mexico used a DiamondBlade Springbok last year on a mule deer hunt in the Gila. He used the blade to dress three big mulies. The cutting edge remained shockingly sharp.
DiamondBlade produces a variety of blade styles for a multitude of purposes besides hunting. Their products are tough, well-made and handsome. If you’re a knife junkie or collector, I’d highly recommend adding one to your assemblage.
