The Kovda is a hunting knife by Olamic Cutlery. Started in 2010, Olamic is a fairly new, family owned and operated business. They specialize in hand made hunting knives. Each one is produced in Russia by craftsman, using traditional smithing techniques and styling, often coupled with modern materials. Although the knives are made in Russia, Olamic is headed by Eugene Solomonik in San Jose, California.
The knife features a full tang construction ground from a thick piece of Olamic’s “Standard Torsion” Damascus. They also offers other patterns such as their Saturn’s Rings, Standard Twist, Storms of Jupiter and a damascus composite weld.
Although the patterns vary, all of the steels are considered high carbon vanadium/molybdenum steel. The inclusion of both elements in an alloy produces stable carbides, added ductility and toughness as well as inhibited grain growth. All properties that produce a keen, long working, reliable edge. Outside of the blades elemental qualities, the multiple folds are said to add mechanical strength and certainly add extraordinary beauty. Each knife is etched to expose the evenly distributed contrasty pattern of 300 to 350 layers.
The overall blade length of this knife is 5.5″ but a slight trailing point extends the cutting edge to 5.75″. The primary bevel is hollow ground and averages a .75″ width that reduces the .156″ blade stock nicely. These knives have a secondary bevel that is finely and evenly sharpened. A fairly deep swedge that travels 2″ down the spine, produces a very sharp point for penetrating cuts. Olamic’s logo appears on one side of the blade. The opposite side is serialized denoting that the knife is one of a kind.
It should be noted that this is not a stainless Damascus and requires care to prevent corrosion. Fortunately the knives ship with a Tuf-Cloth by Sentry Solutions to help with maintenance.
The handle of the Kovda begins at the blade’s shoulders. These produce a first finger groove backed by a good sized thumb ramp providing excellent control. The over all shape arcs toward the pommel where it has a slight flare to prevent slipping. There is a large amount of palm-swell that has a soft peak just behind the first finger groove. This provides an indentation that locks in the last three fingers (the fingers actually responsible for the strength of your grip) tightly. The over-all geometry is very comfortable. Its thoughtful shape and well finished surfaces are without hot-spots allowing for safe and easy use over a long period of time, in a wet or dry scenario.
Made from olive drab, linen micarta and brought to a polish, the scales perfectly compliment the damascus. The classically inspired appearance of the Kovda’s blade coupled with the traditional smithing, blends in surprisingly well with the modern resin based material. This is due to the similarity in tone and that both materials are visibly layered. The handle is punctuated with mosaic pins that give the Kovda a tasteful steel, copper and brass embellishment.
For carry, a heavy natural leather sheath is provided. It has a loop so that it can be belt worn. The construction is simple and robust. The leather is folded, glued stitched and finally riveted. Made from thick hide, it should last a very long time. The knife sits deeply and with a firm retention. There is a secondary loop that allows the knife to be carried at different heights or lashed to gear. It would be nice to see the bottom most rivet an eyelet, so that the sheath could be tied to your leg or more firmly attached to a pack.
For added detailing, Olamic’s logo and word mark are embossed on the front face of the sheath.
The Kovda’s over-all build is very solid and takes advantage of a generous use of materials. While this makes for a weighty package, it also gives the knife great quality, value and longevity. The attention to detail, beautiful finishing and masterfully made Damascus blade is matched by its functional design. One that perfectly combines contemporary materials and historic techniques in a current take on classic Russian hunting knives. This knife will appeal to collectors and users alike. The Kovda is as usable as it is unique.
For more information on the Kovda, as well as Olamic’s other offerings visit http://www.olamiccutlery.com
Pros
Excellent material choices, fit and finish
Unique Design
Great Value
Cons
You don’t own one yet
Specs
12.88 Oz (365g) with sheath
9.9 Oz (281g)
total length 10.375″ (264mm)
Blade
Length 5.5″ (140mm)
Cutting Edge 5.75″ (146mm)
Thickness .156″ (4mm)
Hollow Grind
Steel
High Carbon Vanadium/Molybdenum Damascus
Handle
Full Tang
Length 4.875″ (124mm)
Polished Olive Drab Linen Micarta
“Fancy” Mosaic Pins
Sheath
Leather
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