This Renowned Knife Maker’s Latest Release Boasts Some Very Special Blade Steel

For fans of Oliver Stone’s Vietnam epic Platoon, the word Barnes may trigger an emotional reaction. It’s the moniker of the scarfaced sergeant played by Tom Berenger, a fellow who (spoiler alert) turns out to be a real bad egg.

Thankfully, The James Brand’s knife of the same name is not out to shoot (or stab) you in the back. And the latest rendition of it is particularly impressive. 

The James Brand

The James Brand The Barnes Snakeskin Copper + Damasteel

• $1,449 at The James Brand

The James Brand The Barnes Snakeskin Copper + Damasteel

Named, like all TJB knives, for a type of arrowhead, The Barnes is the most high-end pocket knife the brand offers. Like a comet, it only surfaces from time to time — and makes news whenever it does. 

The newest edition, The Barnes Snakeskin Copper + Damasteel, is no exception. Limited to just 20 units, costing $1,449 and available as of noon EST today, it’s a worthy update to the nameplate, which first appeared in May 2021. 

So, what do you need to know about this knife? Three features are of particular note. The freshest element has to be the snakeskin copper carbon fiber inlay from Fatcarbon.

Just five years old, the Lithuania-based brand has been on a hot streak lately, popping up in more and more knives, including one from the Wizard Series we covered late last week. (Note that the inlay appears on just one side, with the other holding a deep-carry pocket clip.)

The James Brand

The feature most consistent with the bloodline is the titanium integral construction of the frame. Like previous editions of The Barnes, it’s machined from a single billet of 6al4v titanium.

This approach distinguishes it from most pocket knives, which tend to have two scales secured together with space for the blade to fold in between them when it’s not deployed. The precise and pricey process results in a property that’s the inevitable result of reducing the number of parts: less maintenance and higher durability.

Last but certainly not least, the most premium quality of this new Barnes is the steel in its blade. Similar to one of its predecessors, the 3.5-inch drop-point is made of Damasteel DS93X Hakkapella, which performs just as good as it looks.

The James Brand

For those unfamiliar, Damasteel is a Swedish brand specializing in the production of high-quality Damascus steel, which is made by blending different types of steel together in folded layers, resulting in that trademark swirling pattern. 

Depending on the combo, you’ll get distinct qualities from the resulting steel. With that in mind, here’s how Damasteel itself describes the DS93X Hakkapella varietal: “Best overall performing stainless Damascus patterned steel … Consists of two different hardenable knife steel grades. It combines corrosion resistance with superior strength. A unique cutting ability is achieved through superior edge properties. Easy to maintain. An excellent steel for edge tools such as knives.” 

In other words, seriously badass metal. Which in large part explains why this new Barnes costs well over twice as much as the original’s $599. But hey, that snakeskin pattern is pretty cool too, right?

Availability and pricing

The Barnes Snakeskin Copper + Damasteel is available now for $1,449. It’s packaged in a wooden gift box with a James Brand challenge coin, cleaning cloth and lanyard. There are just 20 units total, so if you’re interested, act fast.

The James Brand

The James Brand The Barnes Snakeskin Copper + Damasteel

• $1,449 at The James Brand

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