Damascus Tanto Knife Guide: Black Micarta, Blue Bone & Red Burlap Micarta Compared

Damascus Tanto Knife Guide: Black Micarta, Blue Bone & Red Burlap Micarta Compared

If you've been eyeing a Damascus tanto knife for everyday carry, camping, or your collection, you've probably noticed we offer the same core design in three handle finishes. Here's a full breakdown of what makes the tanto blade shape special, what's shared across all three knives, and how to pick between them.

What Makes a Tanto Blade Different

The tanto blade style is defined by its angular, reinforced tip rather than a traditional curved point. That flatter, thicker point makes it excellent for piercing and heavy-duty tasks, while the straight edge handles everyday cutting just as well. It's a design that trades a bit of slicing curve for extra tip strength  a good trade-off for a compact fixed blade meant to work hard.

The Shared Blade: Built the Same Across All Three

All three knives in this lineup are built on the same forged core, so whichever handle you choose, you're getting identical performance:

  • Blade: 3-inch tanto blade forged from 240 layers of 5160 and 4340 carbon steel Damascus
  • Overall length: 6.5 inches
  • Handle length: 3.5 inches
  • Blade thickness: 1/8 inch
  • Sheath: Vegetable-tanned leather with cowboy-style horizontal carry for comfortable belt wear

Because the specs are identical, choosing between them really comes down to handle material and look — which is where each knife earns its own personality.

Compare the Three Handles

Black Burlap Micarta Handle

A rugged, low-maintenance handle with a fiber liner detail that contrasts nicely against the layered Damascus pattern. Micarta doesn't need the upkeep that natural materials do, which makes this version a strong pick for daily carry, camping trips, and general outdoor utility  grab it, use it, wipe it down, done.

A fixed-blade knife with a dark handle and partially serrated blade, resting on a brown leather sheath over a brown fur background. The ARHAM CUTLERY logo is visible in the bottom right corner.

Blue Bone Handle

Built with blue-dyed cattle bone and a Micarta fiber liner for contrast. Since bone is a natural material, every handle has its own subtle variation in color and grain  no two are identical. This makes it less of a "beat it up outdoors" knife and more of a standout piece for collectors or anyone who wants their tanto to double as a display-worthy item.

Bluebone Talon Damascus Tanto Knife – Blue Bone Handle Arham Cutlery


Red Burlap Micarta Handle

Same rugged Micarta construction as the black version, but with a bolder red finish that makes the knife pop against the Damascus blade. If you like the durability and low-maintenance nature of Micarta but want a handle that stands out rather than blends in, this is the one.

Scarlet Talon Damascus Tanto Knife – Red Burlap Micarta Handle Arham Cutlery

Which One Should You Get?

  • Want a workhorse for EDC or the outdoors? Go with Black or Red Burlap Micarta  both are tough, easy to maintain, and ready for regular use.
  • Want a piece for your collection or a standout gift? The Blue Bone Handle brings natural material character that no two buyers will have exactly alike.

Caring for Your Damascus Tanto

Damascus steel looks incredible, but the 5160/4340 carbon steel blend does need a little attention to stay corrosion-free:

  1. Clean and thoroughly dry the blade after every use.
  2. Apply a light coat of blade oil periodically, especially before long-term storage.
  3. Never store the blade wet, and make sure it's fully dry before sheathing it  trapped moisture in the leather sheath is the main cause of corrosion.

Explore the Full Collection

Ready to pick yours? Browse the complete lineup here:

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