6 best folding knife with blackwashes

A folding knife with a blackwash finish refers to a type of pocket knife that features a particular surface treatment known as blackwashing. Blackwashing is a finishing technique used to give the knife blade and sometimes the handle a distressed, worn-in, or rugged appearance. Here are some key points about folding knives with blackwash finishes:

  1. Blackwash Finish: The blackwash finish is achieved by applying a black coating to the knife blade and handle and then distressing or wearing down the black coating in a controlled manner. This creates a weathered, worn, or "broken-in" appearance, often resembling the look of a well-used tool.

  2. Tactical Appearance: Folding knives with blackwash finishes are often chosen for their tactical appearance. The rugged look can make the knife seem more utilitarian and less flashy, which may be appealing to those who prefer a discreet or low-profile appearance.

  3. Corrosion Resistance: The black coating on the blade can provide some corrosion resistance, protecting the metal from rust and oxidation. This can be especially important for knives that may be used in outdoor or wet environments.

  4. Variety of Knives: Blackwash finishes can be found on a variety of folding knife styles, including everyday carry (EDC) knives, tactical knives, and utility knives. The finish is primarily aesthetic, so you can find it on different blade shapes and sizes.

  5. Materials: Folding knives with blackwash finishes can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, high carbon steel, or even premium materials like Damascus steel. The choice of material can affect the knife's durability, sharpness, and overall performance.

  6. Pocket Clip: Many folding knives with blackwash finishes come with a pocket clip, allowing for convenient and secure carry in your pocket. The clip can often be adjusted for left or right-handed use.

  7. Locking Mechanism: These knives typically feature a locking mechanism to keep the blade securely in place when open, enhancing safety during use.

  8. Maintenance: While the blackwash finish provides some corrosion resistance, it may wear off over time with heavy use. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling the blade, can help preserve the finish and ensure the knife's longevity.

Folding knives with blackwash finishes are favored by individuals who appreciate both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of such knives. They can be versatile tools for various tasks, including cutting, slicing, and self-defense if designed for tactical purposes. When choosing a folding knife with a blackwash finish, consider the intended use, the materials used in its construction, and your personal preferences for style and appearance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best folding knife with blackwashes on the market
  

Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife, 3 inch Blade, Great EDC Folding Knives, Frame Lock, SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Made in the USA

Kershaw

Based on 510 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The newest addition to the Leek, easy-to-carry lineup by Kershaw combines a Composite Blade with BlackWash finish, creating a Leek that has it all. A unique braze line on the blade signifies Kershaw’s patented Composite Blade technology, and a rugged BlackWash finish gives the non-reflective appearance of a well-worn tool. A razor-sharp D2 steel edge combined with a Sandvik 14C28N steel spine proves an extremely hard blade capable of taking and holding an edge. A Composite Blade combines steel’s best properties in one blade. The Leek’s matching stainless steel handle features SpeedSafe assisted technology for easy one-handed opening, a liner lock to keep the blade open during use, a tip-lock slider to secure the blade closed in transit and a reversible pocketclip for user adjustable carry. Similar to other Leeks, a 3-inch modified drop-point blade and a slim, versatile design make for a mighty little pocket carry. Made in the USA by skilled knifemakers, the Leek is stealthy performer.

  • 3" drop-point Composite Blade with a D2 steel edge and Sandwich 14C28N spine with black-oxide Blackwash finish
  • Matching 410 stainless steel handle with Speed Safe Assisted opening, liner lock, tip-lock, Reversible pocket Clip and pre-drilled lanyard Hole
  • Slim profile and non-reflective color allows more discreet carry in pockets, bags, packs, purses, Jackets, on belts or around the neck on a lanyard
  • A great gift for campers, hikers, anglers, hunters, gardeners, hobbyists and backpackers
  • Made in the USA by skilled knife makers in Tualatin Oregon and Backed by Kershaw limited Lifetime

User questions & answers

Question: What is the diameter of the open hole on the handle? I would like to put a dogtag chain through it. Thanks
Answer: This is a flipper.
Question: how thick is this knife
Answer: No clip
Question: How can I adjust the clip? It's a hex bit or star bit can't really tell because its so small and I can't find a bit to fit it because it's so small
Answer: I'm not sure of the manufacture, but the Albatross is a well made Damascus steel knife. It is made to be carried by a well to do gentleman. Very easy opening with only a light touch. Very fast!
Question: Is the composite blade worth the extra money
Answer: No pocket clip
Question: DOes this come in a box or is it a plastic clamshell
Answer: It tested it and it doesnt seem razor sharp. Is there anything i can do to sharpen it? Its my boyfriends birthday gift so i wanna make sure its sharp!
Question: Will the blackwash finish come off when sharpened? Thanks
Answer: weight is 300 grams approximately blade is 2.9 inches long handle is 4.0 inches long
Question: What size tool is needed to loosen the screws to change the clip position
Answer: as a avid collector of knives ans fan of damascus made blades the perkins knives are some of the best quality and craftsmanship a great knife to ad to any collection or to carry. hope I was able to help i have several perkins hand made knives I believe you will be happy with a purchase
Question: Does this have assisted open
Answer: It only worked for a couple of hours. I ended up returning the sprinkler two days after I received it.

Product features

Kershaw Leek Knives

One of the most popular of Kershaw knife series, the Leek, has a slim, versatile, modified drop-point blade with good slicing capabilities. The high performing blade steels sharpen to a razor edge and hold the edge for a extended use. The three-inch blade is perfect for most tasks and the slim tip allows the knife to excel at piercing and detail work. SpeedSafe Assisted Opening allows for easy blade deployment with the use of a simple pull back on the ambidextrous flipper. The variety of colors are fade-resistant, scratch-resistant and permanently bonded to the anodized aluminum handle.

High-Performance Steel

Sandvik 14C28N steel is a high-performance steel with increased nitrogen in the formula for excellent corrosion resistance and hardness. The overall highest performing knife steel in the world that still maintains the productivity benefit of being fine-blankable, 14C28N steel is ideal for knife applications which place high demands on edge sharpness, edge stability and corrosion resistance. “Semi-stainless” tool steel known for excellent wear resistance and good toughness, D2 steel offers corrosion resistance because of its high levels of chromium. D2 is more affordable than other premium steels and is difficult to dull. A top performer due to its ability to hold an edge, D2 steel is the perfect combination of performance and comes at a value price.

Attractive Blade Coating

Black oxide coating is a chemical bath, or conversion coating, that converts the surface of the blade steel to magnetite. Mainly for appearance, black oxide does add some mild corrosion resistance and tends to minimize light reflection from the blade. The blackening process gives the blade an attractive, smooth, tactical, fierce black surface that is very desirable to knife owners.

Blackwash Blade Finish

Kershaw’s Blackwash finish derives from a balanced blend of blade coating and stonewashing. Together the two produce a precisely formulated all-black matte finish impervious to fingerprints, smudges and marring. And, even though the knife itself is brand new, Blackwash projects a well-worn, vintage look popular for blending comfortably with clothes and gear during everyday use and carry.

Fast Deployment

Using a torsion bar to move the blade out of the handle, Kershaw’s revolutionary SpeedSafe Assisted Opening system enables smooth, secure, fast one-handed blade deployment. Apply manual pressure to the flipper or thumb stud with a light push or pull back to overcome resistance of the torsion bar, and the blade opens smoothly and locks into place for confident handling without premature closure.

Convenient Pocketclip and Glassbreaker Tip

Kershaw designs pocketclips to fit specific knives according to their weight, intended end use, size, style and hardware. Some knives have multiple carry options, others are more streamlined. The reversible pocketclip allows user to choose to carry knife tip-up or tip-down or to choose on which side knife carries. The user may select either a preferred tip position or a preferred carry side.

One-Handed Flipper

Knives with SpeedSafe open have two options for one-handed blade deployment. To activate the smooth, instant open, user can push a thumbstud or press a flipper. The flipper on SpeedSafe assisted knives is easy to operate by both left- and right-handed users. And, once blade swings open and locks into place, flipper either disappears for aesthetics or remains visible for added finger protection.

Durable Handle

Stainless steel contains chromium to equip knife handles to withstand rusting and provide corrosion resistance. Stainless steel offers durability and is often used in combination with another material to make for an easier grip. Offering excellent durability, stainless steel knife handles often incorporate etching, patterns, ridges or lines for a less slippery grip.

Secure Locking System

Kershaw’s frame lock design makes knives safer, securer, sturdier and quicker for one-handed blade deployment. The knife handle, or frame, has two metal plates on either side of the blade, and when open, the lockbar butts up against the blade’s backend to prevent blade closure. To close the knife blade, push the frame to the side to unlock the blade and fold the blade back into the handle.

Designed to keep the blade inside the handle, the Kershaw Tip Lock system is featured on all Leek and Scallion SpeedSafe knives. This simple slider, when engaged, ensures the blade will not prematurely open if not in use. The Tip Lock system is located where the tip of the blade meets the handle scales in the closed position. A press of the thumb activates the Tip Lock for secure, safe knife use.

Kershaw Scallion Blackwash GFN Handle Black Folding Knife (1620BLKBW)

Kershaw

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KERSHAW SCALLION FRAME LOCK BLACKWASH FOLDING KNIFE (1620BLKBW) With its 2 1/4-inch blade, the Scallion is a smaller knife, just perfect for pocket carry. But just because it`s smaller doesn`t mean the Scallion isn`t mighty. In fact, the Scallion is perfect for just about any cutting task you`d care to ask it to do-from breaking down a cardboard box to cutting twine to cutting apple slices for lunch. FEATURES: - Speed Safe Assisted Opening - Liner Lock - Single-position pocket clip - Steel: 420HC, bead-blasted finish - Handle: Glass Filled Nylon Flipper May be used on either manual or assisted opening knives. The “flipper” is a protrusion on the back of the blade that the user can pull back on, or flip, in order to move the blade easily out of the handle. Locking Liner Locks the blade into position after the blade is deployed. To release the locking liner simply press the spring loaded lock and the blade will easily fold back into the handle. Speed Safe Assists you to open any Speed Safe knife quickly and easily with a manual push on the thumb stud or pull back on the flipper; built into many Kershaw best sellers.

  • HIGH-CARBON BLADE STEEL: Offers good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance
  • Speed Safe assisted opening
  • Flipper
  • Liner lock, Tip-lock slider; Single-position pocket clip (right, tip-down); Lanyard hole
  • Steel: 420HC, stonewashed finish; Handle: 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized

User questions & answers

Question: Is this made in the USA
Answer: I don’t know what type of steel it is, e.g. 304, 316, etc. But I can tell it is typical folded steel that is made Damascus style, folded and hammered. The blade is beautiful. If the handle were true mother of pearl, it would be an absolute killer! As it is, it is a gorgeous pocket knife that I really like!
Question: Is the handle SS blackwash or poly
Answer: They are made in China, at least mine was. Nice quality, real Damascus blade. Would pay a lot more elsewhere. I chose to get one and I'm glad I did. Great for the price!
Question: What is the length of the blade? I need to know because of length regulations for use on the job
Answer: Hi, My all knives are made in Pakistan. Thank you
Question: The finish on the handle looks smooth, for use as an EDC knife, is grip tape advisable
Answer: NO
Question: Does it have bronzed or plastic washers
Answer: I mean you def could. I would be careful because it is very thin and sharp. You may not want to after you see how nice it is though.
Question: What type of steel is the blade
Answer: I believe that it is Damascus steel, I've got several knives that are Damascus and this one looks the part.

Product features

Kershaw Knives

Kershaw makes pocketknives and tools for the men and women who are ready to get out there and get things done—whether on the worksite, in the garage, or in the great outdoors. You’re ready to work hard, take care of your family, and solve whatever problems come your way. You’re also ready to play hard, challenge yourself, and make life better. With reliable knives and cutting tools, advanced technologies, dependable manufacturing quality you count on to help you do it.

Kershaw Opening:

Everyday Carry

You carry a knife because it’s handy. Opening boxes, taming blister packs, trimming string, sharing a sandwich. In this section, you’ll find a wide variety of handy pocketknives, for every type of job and to fit every type of pocket.

Outdoor

Gear to keep your campsite operating smoothly. Machetes to clear brush, camp saws to prep firewood. Check the Gear section for other handy camp tools.

Fishing

Kershaw’s K-Texture or soft-grip handles, provide secure grip in wet and slippery conditions. Pair that with our razor-sharp blades and you’ve got the right tools for processing your catch.

Kershaw Scallion Framelock Blackwash Aluminum Handle Folding Knife (1620FLBW)

Kershaw

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KERSHAW SCALLION FRAME LOCK BLACKWASH FOLDING KNIFE (1620FLBW) The Kershaw Scallion features a 420HC stainless steel blade and an anodized aluminum handle. It uses the Speed Safe assisted opening mechanism with flipper or thumb stud and measures just 5. 75" overall. But just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean the Scallion isn’t mighty. In fact, the Scallion is perfect for just about any cutting task you’d care to ask it to do—from breaking down a cardboard box to cutting twine to cutting apple slices for lunch. FEATURES: - Convenient 2 1/4" 420HC Stainless Steel Blade - Speed Safe Assisted Opening - Ambidextrous - Stainless Steel Handle - Frame Lock - Tip Lock 420HC Stainless Steel An improved form of 420 that works well with high production tooling. Content: Carbon 0. 5-0. 7%, Manganese 0. 35-0. 9%, Chromium 13. 5%. Frame Lock Locks the blade into position after the blade is deployed. To release the frame lock simply press the spring loaded lock and the blade will easily fold back into the handle. Tip Lock A slider that locks the tip of the blade inside the handle until you release it, which ensures the knife won't accidentally open during transport.

  • Speed Safe assisted opening
  • Flipper; Frame lock, Tip-lock slider
  • Single-position pocket clip (right, tip-down)
  • Lanyard hole
  • Steel: 420HC, stonewashed finish; Handle: 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized

Kershaw Leek Folding Knife, BlackWash Blade w/Blue Handle

Kershaw

Based on 106 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Exclusive Kershaw Leek Ken Onion Design Folding Knife Has A Blue Colored Handle With Black Blade And SpeedSafe Assisted Opening. The black-oxide blade is made of high performance Sandvik 14C28N steel and has a BlackWash finish, making it durable and razor sharp. The modified drop point blade is good for slicing, while the slim tip gives it piercing capability and the ability to do detailed work. The slender 1" width of the anodized aluminum handle feels excellent in the hand and fits discreetly into the pocket.

  • SpeedSafe Assisted Opening / Drop Point Plain Edge Blade
  • Ambidextrous Flipper / Liner Lock & Tip-Lock Slider / Reversible Pocket Clip
  • Made in USA / Blade Length: 3" / Weight: 2.4 oz.
  • Steel: Sandvik 14C28N, Black-Oxide BlackWash Finish
  • Handle: 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come in a nice little box? Want to get it as a gift for my husband since he lost his
Answer: I bought one for my dad from another company and I thought it was alright overall but when I bought a second one from knife king they blew the first out of the water. Their knives are shipped wrapped in oil in three layers of plastic and you can tell from the second you pick up the knife that it is 10x better quality. The first one was a nice knife but not a memorable one, if you're going for a knife you'll never have to (or be able to) replace, go for knife kings. *side note I gave my dad the second one and it hasn't left his side since*

Kershaw Starter Folding Pocket Knife (1301BW); 4Cr14 Steel Blade With Black-Oxide BlackWash Finish, SpeedSafe Assisted, Single-Position Deep Carry Clip; 3.5 oz., 3.5 In. Blade, 7.9 In. Overall Length

Kershaw

Based on 351 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Beautifully designed and machined with grooved textures and hammered looks, the Kershaw 1301BW Starter easy folding pocket knife is lightweight yet powerful in users’ hands. Very durable with razor sharp cutting, the stylish 4Cr14 steel drop point blade is conveniently sized to travel anywhere and is the perfect knife for any outdoor activity, household need or task, or EDC. Sleek, black-oxide BlackWash finish coats the blade and stainless steel handles making for a fluid, well-contoured, ergonomic knife and adds extra protection while hiding additional scratches. Exceptionally handsome with a non-traditional look and at an affordable price, the Starter provides rugged beauty and a tough exterior accessible for all users. SpeedSafe Assisted Opening makes the Starter fast and easy to open by use of a built-in flipper, while the curves of the knife fit comfortably in hand. A single pocketclip for deep pocket carry make the Starter a great, versatile EDC for any user in any situation.

  • Durable 4Cr14 steel makes the blade tough, chip resistant, and has razor edge sharpness
  • BlackWash finish gives a rough-and-tumble, scuffed look; coating provides extra protection and hides scratches put on the knife during normal use
  • Inexpensive, affordable price point allows all users accessibility to the rugged beauty, hard use, heavy duty, machined, hammered build of stylish knife
  • Ideal EDC, easy folding pocket knife for everyday tasks—survival tool, precision cutting, self-defense, tactical use or the perfect gift
  • General all-purpose knife great for EDC or use while working, camping, fishing, hunting, utility or outdoor activities

User questions & answers

Question: Will this knife still work without the torsion bar, like the Kershaw Blur
Answer: Yes, solid frame lock
Question: i have only one hand that works can i easily open this knife
Answer: Think as long is not automatic blade it’s ok
Question: Would you say this knife holds up to heavy rough work use
Answer: True Damascus is a very different thing, but in recent times Damascus also refers to pattern welded steel. This appears to be pattern welded steel, it's likely easier and cheaper to just make some cheap pattern welded steel than to "laser" etch a product. After all you need a powerful laser... to make pattern welded steel you need 2 or more different steels you forge weld them together and then you etch them in acid. The acid reacts with the different steels at different rates producing the 3D layered effect and the different steel's chemical composition's can etch darker or lighter depending on the additives, esp. nickel, enhancing the pattern.True Damascus is expensive and difficult to make. It is not different steels forged together but a crucible process using high temperatures for long periods.
Question: What type of stainless steel is the blade made from
Answer: It feels a little heavier than most of the other knives of the same size. The kitchen scale says 7.8 oz. Note that it does not lock, that still feels a little odd to me.

Product features

High-Performance Steel

A highly stain resistant, value-priced steel, 4CR14 stainless steel is reasonably tough and corrosion resistant. Capable of taking a wicked, sharp edge, 4CR14 strikes a solid balance between toughness and edge retention. This budget-friendly, affordable steel is excellent for knives used sporadically, spending a good amount of time at-the-ready in a purse or suitcase.

Attractive Blade Coating

Kershaw’s patented Blackwash finish derives from a balanced blend of blade coating and stonewashing. Together the two produce a precisely formulated all-black matte finish impervious to fingerprints, smudges and marring. And, even though the knife itself is brand new, Blackwash projects a well-worn, vintage look popular for blending comfortably with clothes and gear during everyday use and carry.

Black oxide coating is a chemical bath, or conversion coating, that converts the surface of the blade steel to magnetite. Mainly for appearance, black oxide does add some mild corrosion resistance and tends to minimize light reflection from the blade. The blackening process gives the blade an attractive, smooth, tactical, fierce black surface that is very desirable to knife owners.

Fast Deployment

Using a torsion bar to move the blade out of the handle, Kershaw’s revolutionary SpeedSafe Assisted Opening system enables smooth, secure, fast one-handed blade deployment. Apply manual pressure to the flipper or thumb stud with a light push or pull back to overcome resistance of the torsion bar, and the blade opens smoothly and locks into place for confident handling without premature closure.

Secure Locking System

With two steel plates, or liners, on the inside of each handle scale, the liner locking system safely secures the blade open and prevents unwanted blade closure. The lockbar butts up against the blade’s backend to prevent closure, and angles or is bent towards the blade tang creating a bias locked position. Apply manual force to move the lockbar to the side and fold the blade back into the handle.

One-Handed Flipper

Knives with SpeedSafe open have two options for one-handed blade deployment. To activate the smooth, instant open, user can push a thumbstud or press a flipper. The flipper on SpeedSafe assisted knives is easy to operate by both left- and right-handed users. And, once blade swings open and locks into place, flipper either disappears for aesthetics or remains visible for added finger protection.

Durable Handle

Stainless steel contains chromium to equip knife handles to withstand rusting and provide corrosion resistance. Stainless steel offers durability and is often used in combination with another material to make for an easier grip. Offering excellent durability, stainless steel knife handles often incorporate etching, patterns, ridges or lines for a less slippery grip.

Convenient Pocketclip

Kershaw designs pocketclips to fit specific knives according to their weight, intended end use, style and hardware. Some knives have multiple options, while others, such as the single position pocketclip, do not. A single position pocketclip is normally tip-down, left side carry, but might be tip-up, right side carry depending on the particular knife. Single position pocketclips can be removed.

Kershaw Method Folding Pocketknife (1170); Jens Anso Design; 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade with Blackwash Finish; Black 3D-Machined G10 Handle; KVT Manual Open; Inset Liner Lock; Pocketclip; 2.1 oz

Kershaw

Based on 197 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The standout feature of Kershaw’s new Method folding pocketknife is, undoubtedly, its handle. With a unique 3-D machined pattern on black G10 scales, the handle is said to resemble an architectural truss, the support of all engineering feats. Black hardware, pivot and flipper further the industrial illusion while a 3-inch blade with top swedge coated in black-oxide BlackWash suddenly contends it’s no illusion at all. A rugged knife built for confidence and stability, the Method is great for tasks at home, day to day chores, self-defense, survival, outdoor adventure, and emergencies. Designed by Jens Anso, the Method operates with a KVT ball-bearing system to make manual opening efficient, even one-handed. An extra-large lanyard hole in the backspacer and an inset liner lock also contribute to the balanced profile and real-world aesthetic that turn the Method into a must-have for anyone headed to the office, warehouse, mountain retreat, National Park, farmers market or hunting camp.

  • KVT opening system uses ball bearings to make manual opening as quick as assisted opening; user pulls back on ambidextrous built-in flipper to release blade easily; motion allows one-handed opening
  • Inset liner lock allows slimmer, lighter design; sturdy steel plate riveted inside handle provides security of locking liner without weight of steel liners along both interior sides of handle
  • Single-position pocketclip enables right-side carry in the tip-up position; pocketclip can be removed if preferred; closed knife measures 4.26 inches; overall open length is 7.25 inches
  • The handle’s G10, an epoxy-filled woven glass fiber, offers durability and stability and remains constant despite temperature fluctuations; G10 absorbs tint and increases the knife’s longevity
  • Extremely tough with vintage good looks, the all-black Method makes an excellent gift for collectors, relatives, graduates, friends, campers, co-workers, service personnel and outdoor enthusiasts

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