Coffin Bowie Knife Blank 266 Layer Damascus (1085 High Carbon + 15N20 Bright Steel) SHARP 11.5″ OA, 7.25″ Blade, 4.75″ Tang, 1/8th” Thick Spine ••• The coffin handle was the original handle type of the first Bowies, and gets its name from the distinctive coffin shape, where both sides of the handle are slightly concave, forming a waist. The shape produces a very comfortable grip which sits well in your handle. Forged as a solid piece, no welds. DIY for people that want to craft their own handle and customize. Full ‘Coffin’ Tang with three holes, thick. Beautiful water pattern damascus is a work of art! An American Classic, The Bowie knife found its greatest popularity during the mid-19th century when numerous knife fighting schools in the South were teaching fighting techniques with the Bowie knife based on the legendary sandbar fight between Jim Bowie and a number of assailants. These knives played a role in all 19th century US conflicts, from the Texas war of independence to the Mexican War, from the California gold rush to the Civil War and Indian wars. Comments: Well made, rugged – great materials and craftsmanship. Recommended! I’m a collector and a weekend warrior, active in my local HEMA group and Renaissance Fair. I sell what I own and can recommend! See my Seller ratings and but with confidence 🙂 Manufacturer’s Description – Product Details:• All our Damascus knives have at least 266 layers during the forging process, with many of them surpassing that mark by several layers. • We use genuine brass in our bolsters, guards, and inlays. We do not use brass plated steel.• Our Damascus knives and swords are available with a variety of tangs (i.e. full or encapsulated tangs).• We currently use two combinations of steel in the forging process of our Damascus blades. Some blades will use a blending of 1074 high carbon steel and WS1 mild steel, while others use a combination of 1085 high carbon steel and 15N20 bright steel. • All our Damascus blades are Rockwell tested between 52 to 58, or higher. This determines the durability of the blade and its ability to hold a fine edge.• The Damascus knives, swords, and blanks are subject to an “acid wash” that helps accentuate the contrast between the types of steel used in the forging of the blades. Because the tang will typically be covered by whatever handle material is used, that part of the blade is generally not subject to the acid treatment. However, the pattern of the contrasting steels that is characteristic of Damascus blades will still be visible when inspected closely.