J.H. Patterson Handmade Damascus Steel Folding Knife

J.H. Patterson Damascus Steel Folding Knife

This isn’t just a folding knife — it’s a story in steel. Named after Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Patterson, a British soldier, writer, and hunter who once stared down a pair of man-eating lions in East Africa, this blade honors courage in its purest form.

Back in 1898, Patterson was tasked with building a railway bridge over the Tsavo River. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. His workers were terrified — two massive lions had started dragging people out of their tents at night. Work came to a halt. Instead of retreating, Patterson decided to track the beasts himself. It took weeks of nerve-wracking nights, but he finally got them — one in early December, the other two weeks later after a near-deadly charge. Each lion stretched over nine feet long and needed eight men just to carry it back. As thanks, Patterson’s team presented him with a silver bowl — a quiet nod to his guts and grit.

That same spirit is captured in this folding knife.

Hand-forged from layered Damascus steel and finished with Tali Wood scales, the J.H. Patterson Knife feels just right — solid, balanced, and made to last. It opens easily with a thumb flick and locks securely thanks to a smart liner mechanism. When not in use, it slips into a handcrafted leather sheath that ages beautifully over time. And take a look at the spine — the fine detailing isn’t just for show. That’s real craftsmanship.

Whether you’re adding it to your EDC rotation or displaying it on your desk, this piece is more than a tool — it’s a nod to those who choose action over fear.

Specs That Matter

• Overall Length: 7.75" — just the right size for daily use or display
• Blade: 3.5" | Handle: 4.25" — feels balanced, fits well in hand
• Steel: 1095 & 15N20 Damascus, 256 layers with a twist pattern
• Thickness: About 0.15" — strong without being bulky
• Blade Style: Classic drop point — great for slicing and general use
• Handle: Polished Tali Wood with stainless steel bolsters
• Bonus: Comes with a leather sheath and wooden presentation box

Each Knife is One-of-a-Kind

Here’s the thing — no two of these are ever quite the same. The natural grain of the wood, the swirl of the Damascus pattern, even slight color shifts — it all varies slightly from piece to piece. And that’s a good thing. You're not getting something off a production line — you're getting something with its own character.

About the Sheath

We like to keep things interesting here, and that extends to the sheath, too. Yours might not look exactly like the one in the photos. Stitching, shade, shape — it can vary a bit. It’s still handcrafted with care, and if you have specific questions or preferences, shoot us a message. We're always around.

Care Tips for the Long Haul

This knife is made with high-carbon steel — that’s what gives it its edge (literally and figuratively). But it also means it needs a little love. After using it, wash by hand with warm water and soap. Dry it off completely, and give it a light coat of oil. That small step keeps it from rusting and helps the blade look sharp for years to come.