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black mamba knives
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black mamba knives's Discussions
Damascus steel questions and what actually separates forged from printed
Started Sep 19 0 Replies 1 Like
Something that comes up a lot when people are shopping Damascus knivesis the printed versus forged question, so I wanted to share what toactually look for since it gets glossed over in most buying…Continue
Anyone else noticing printed "Damascus" creeping into the collectible side of the hobby?
Started this discussion. Last reply by black mamba knives Sep 14. 4 Replies 1 Like
Been collecting folders and fixed blades for about twelve years now, mostly American made stuff from the mid century on up, and lately I keep running into the same problem at estate sales and swap…Continue
Handles that keep changing after you buy them
Started this discussion. Last reply by black mamba knives Sep 22. 8 Replies 0 Likes
The part of a collection that keeps moving is the handles. I think the handles are the most underrated thing in knife collecting.Steel does what it does and then stops. A blade you put away in 1990…Continue
How Far Should You Go When Restoring an Old Knife?
Started this discussion. Last reply by black mamba knives Aug 23. 2 Replies 2 Likes
I keep thinking about this. How much do we actually restore a knife before it no longer feels like the original knife? A light clean and a fresh coat of oil are obviously fine. Grinding out old…Continue
black mamba knives's Page
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KnifeMakerblack mamba knives posted a blog post
Photographing Your Knife Collection for Your Records
If you have more than a few knives, taking some decent photos of them now can save you a lot of trouble later. You don't need a studio or expensive camera either. A phone and a kitchen table are usually enough.I’ve found that soft natural light works best. A window without direct sunlight gives you enough light to show the blade without creating harsh reflections. Put the knife beside the window so the light comes across the blade instead of shining straight into it.For the background, keep it…See More
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to Kevin D's discussion For those who Question - A Knife Identification Thread in the group BOX FULL OF KNIVES
"I think this would be a great idea. Sometimes the smallest details can make a big difference when trying to identify an older or unfamiliar knife.
Clear photos of both sides, the blade markings, handle, spine, tang, and sheath can all be helpful.…"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives commented on Jan Carter's group BOX FULL OF KNIVES
"One thing I’ve learned from collecting and working around knives is that storage and basic maintenance make a bigger difference than people sometimes realize. Especially with carbon steel and Damascus, keeping the blade clean and dry is…"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to black mamba knives's discussion Handles that keep changing after you buy them
"That’s a fascinating bit of history, Kevin! A handle that old must have quite a story behind it. Ebony is already naturally dark, so I can see why its changes might be less noticeable. The Prussian bayonet sounds like an interesting…"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to black mamba knives's discussion Handles that keep changing after you buy them
"Great additions, Kevin! Osage Orange is an interesting choice for a handle, especially with the way its color can develop over time. Cherry is beautiful too, even if its softness limits where it works best. It’s amazing how much the material…"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to black mamba knives's discussion Handles that keep changing after you buy them
"Absolutely! It’s fascinating how natural materials develop their own character over time. Sometimes those gradual changes make a knife feel even more personal, especially when you’ve owned it for years. Thanks for reading and sharing…"
"The oldest handle I have, is probably on my Swiss Sharpshooters Sidearm, and is ebony (with big brass rivets). That handle is from 1852 to 1872. I have not noticed that changing much, but I have not had it for years upon years, and the…"
"Two other woods species off the top of my head that change dramatically with time and UV exposure are Osage Orange and Cherry. Cherry is too soft to be used in a lot of applications, but Osage Orange makes for a real nice handle material.
As…"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives posted a discussion
Damascus steel questions and what actually separates forged from printed
Something that comes up a lot when people are shopping Damascus knivesis the printed versus forged question, so I wanted to share what toactually look for since it gets glossed over in most buying guides.Real forged Damascus is made by stacking and welding two differentsteels, hammering them together, folding the billet, and repeatinguntil the layers are set. The pattern comes from the boundary betweenthose steels reacting differently to acid. Because it goes all theway through the metal, if…See More
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to black mamba knives's discussion Anyone else noticing printed "Damascus" creeping into the collectible side of the hobby?
"Haha, “just one more” is probably the most dangerous sentence in the knife world. 😄 I think the sweet spot is having a few knives that each have a reason to be there. With printed Damascus, I also think it helps to look beyond the…"
"I agree...less can be more...except in the sheer quantity of knives. How many do I need? Just one more! :-)"
KnifeMakerblack mamba knives replied to black mamba knives's discussion Anyone else noticing printed "Damascus" creeping into the collectible side of the hobby?
"I get that. Damascus definitely isn’t for everyone. I think a simpler pattern can look really good when it fits the knife instead of being the main attraction. It also makes the handle and overall shape easier to appreciate. Sometimes less…"
2021 CalendarJ.J. Smith III replied to black mamba knives's discussion Anyone else noticing printed "Damascus" creeping into the collectible side of the hobby?
"I'm not really a Damascus fan, but I do like a simple Damascus on certain knives. 9"
2021 CalendarJ.J. Smith III replied to black mamba knives's discussion Handles that keep changing after you buy them
"Good read.
I, for one, love the changes that scales take on over time."
Profile Information
- Profile
- KnifeMaker
- How did you hear about iKnifeCollector?
- social media
- Do you currently subscribe to any knife publication (offline)
- No
- How long have you collected knives?
- 1-2 years
- Favorite Kind of Knives
- hand forged
- About Me
- Hand-forging Damascus in Memphis, Tennessee since 2009.
Black Mamba Knives is Mark Kovalsky's shop. He came to the forge from the
jeweler's bench and started with a coal forge and a secondhand anvil. He still
works the blades himself.
We forge our own Damascus rather than buying patterned stock. A printed pattern
sits on the surface; a forged one goes all the way through the steel, which is
why it cannot wear off. Finished blades are held at 58-60 HRC — harder steel
holds an edge longer but chips when it meets bone, and softer steel rolls.
We make hunting fixed blades, folding pocket knives, balisongs, chef and kitchen
knives, swords, axes and full custom commissions.
Happy to talk process, steel, heat treat or pattern welding with anyone here.
Ask away.
blackmambaknives.com
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Photographing Your Knife Collection for Your Records
Posted on September 30, 2026 at 3:17 1 Comment 0 Likes
If you have more than a few knives, taking some decent photos of them now can save you a lot of trouble later. You don't need a studio or expensive camera either. A phone and a kitchen table are usually enough.
I’ve found that soft natural light works best. A window without direct sunlight gives you enough light to show the blade without creating harsh reflections. Put the knife…
ContinueComment Wall (1 comment)
- At 19:45 on August 12, 2026,
2021 CalendarSteve Scheuerman (Manx) said… Hey there! Welcome to iKnife! Come on in, kick back and check things out. There's some handy tips on our front page to help you find your way around, and some fantastic people in the Chat room if you have any questions or want to shoot the breeze. Site rules are also on the main page, and if you get creative, you can customise your My Page to suit your own style! Hope you enjoy your stay with us! Great to have you on board!
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