A Walk Down Memory Lane with Modern Shoes

The Victor's design harks back to simpler times, resembling knives from the 90s. While its aesthetics might evoke nostalgia, the technology it packs is far from dated. DiamondBlade Knives, known for their innovative Friction Forging process, has built a reputation as an underdog that punches well above its weight in the knife industry. This process creates a cutting edge with steel grain structures 10 times finer than traditional methods, resulting in a blade that stays sharp 10 times longer.

Handle and Ergonomics

The Victor’s G10 handle feels remarkably like micarta, offering a softer, more organic texture than typical G10 scales. The milled channels provide excellent grip, and the slight curve of the handle fits comfortably in the hand. The hollow at the top of the handle is perfectly placed for thumb placement, while the jimping on the spine adds extra traction.

One of the standout features is the generous index placement and guard, which prevent any forward hand movement—a crucial safety consideration. The handle design may not turn heads in terms of flashiness, but its practicality is undeniable.

The reversible pocket clip caters to both left- and right-handed users. However, its non-deep carry design leaves about an inch of the handle protruding from the pocket. While this might aid quick retrieval, modern knife enthusiasts may find themselves longing for a deep-carry clip to keep the knife more discreetly tucked away.

Blade and Performance

The spear-point blade with its flat grind is both versatile and efficient. The thumb hole ensures smooth deployment, and while the bronze washers may not offer the silky action of bearing systems, they promise durability and steady improvement with use.

Where the Victor truly shines is its blade steel. The Friction Forged D2 steel is a marvel, boasting a 65-68 Rc hardness at the edge, while the spine remains softer at 42-45 Rc for added toughness. This differential tempering ensures that the cutting edge is both incredibly sharp and durable.

With an 18-degree included angle, the edge is thinner than most pocket knives, enabling it to slice through materials like cardboard, zip ties, and plastic effortlessly. Despite the thin grind, the hardness of the edge prevents premature degradation. While I haven’t yet needed to sharpen it, I anticipate that modern sharpening tools will handle it without too much trouble.

That said, D2’s semi-stainless nature means the blade's edge resists corrosion, but the rest of the blade is susceptible to staining—a minor drawback for those who prioritize aesthetics.

Final Thoughts

The DiamondBlade Victor is a knife that celebrates the past while embracing the future. Its design is unassuming but functional, and its cutting-edge technology delivers performance that is on par with modern steels. While it may lack some contemporary features like a deep-carry clip or bearings, the Victor offers something deeper: a return to the roots of what a knife is meant to be—a reliable, hard-working tool.

For those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and groundbreaking innovation in a familiar package, the Victor is a worthy addition to any collection. DiamondBlade may not be a household name, but with products like this, it deserves to be.