Colter Handmade Damascus Steel Skinner Knife

Colter Damascus Steel Skinner

The Colter Damascus Steel Skinner isn’t just a knife—it’s a tribute to one of America’s original frontiersmen. Named after John Colter, a fearless explorer and fur trapper from the early 1800s, this blade carries the spirit of true wilderness adventure.

Colter joined the famous Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804, but after the journey ended in 1806, he didn’t return to comfort—he asked to keep going. On his own, he ventured deeper into the wild, exploring the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers and witnessing landscapes no one back east could imagine.

In 1808, during one of his solo missions, Colter was captured by Blackfoot warriors. Stripped bare and forced to run for his life, he somehow outwitted his pursuers—killing one and hiding in a beaver lodge until nightfall. What followed was an incredible eleven-day trek, barefoot and alone, until he reached a trading post near the Little Big Horn.

Back in St. Louis, Colter shared his incredible stories with William Clark, who used them to map out parts of Yellowstone and the Tetons. People thought Colter was exaggerating—until Clark confirmed the strange geysers and boiling mud were very real.

This knife honors that same spirit—of grit, survival, and pushing beyond the edge of the known world.

Your Go-To Tool for the Wild

Every seasoned hunter or trapper knows—you don’t head into the wild without a reliable skinner by your side. The Colter Damascus Steel Skinner delivers exactly that: rugged performance with the precision you need when every move counts.

Crafted by hand, this blade features the distinctive rippling pattern of real Damascus steel, giving it unmatched strength and a striking look. The compact walnut handle feels solid in your grip—easy to control, even with gloves on. Built with a nod to frontier tradition, it’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Whether you're dressing game in the backcountry or adding to your gear collection, this knife is built to perform—and built to last.

Precision You Can Feel – At a Glance

• Total Length: 6" overall — compact and easy to carry
• Blade Length: 3" of hand-forged Damascus steel with a bold twist pattern
• Handle: 3" smooth walnut grip, crafted for comfort and control
• Steel Composition: 1095 and 15n20 high-carbon steels
• Blade Thickness: 0.16" — thin enough for detailed cuts, strong enough for the job
• Construction: Full tang for unbeatable strength and reliability
• Damascus Layers: 256 expertly folded layers
• Edge Style: Secondary bevel grind for razor-sharp performance
• Included Accessories: Full-grain leather sheath and handcrafted wooden presentation box

A One-of-a-Kind Blade, Just Like You

Each Colter Skinner is handmade using natural materials, which means no two knives are exactly alike. You might notice slight variations in the wood grain or the swirling Damascus pattern—these aren’t flaws, they’re part of what makes your knife truly unique.

While the appearance may vary slightly from the photos, every blade we send out is crafted with the same care, precision, and high standards. It’s all part of the charm and character that comes with genuine artisanal craftsmanship.

Sheath Details

Please note: the leather sheath included with your knife may differ slightly in color, texture, or style from the one shown in photos. That’s because each piece is chosen individually to best match the character of your unique blade.

Rest assured—every sheath is made from quality leather and designed to offer both protection and style. If you have questions or preferences, our friendly customer service team is happy to help.

Care Tips to Keep Your Blade Looking Its Best

Your Colter Skinner is made from 1095 high-carbon Damascus steel—a material known for its sharpness, strength, and beauty. But like all high-carbon steels, it needs a little care to keep it in top shape.

• Hand wash the blade with mild soap and hot water
• Dry completely—don’t leave it damp
• Apply a light coat of oil before storing

With just a bit of regular maintenance, your knife will stay in excellent condition and serve you well for years—maybe even generations.