Knife Specifications: Prestige “Black Oak” Knife
Blade Material: Damascus steel
Blade Hardness: 60–62 HRC
Blade Length (mm): 98
Blade Thickness (mm): 3.2
Widest point of the blade (mm): 32
Total length (mm): 224
Handle material: Melnozols, deer antler
Package contents: knife, leather sheath
BLACK OAK is an exclusive, handcrafted AAKnives knife that combines two materials, each with its own unique pattern and history— Damascus steel and Gauja black soil dating back more than 1,000 years. This is a knife whose value lies not only in its functionality, but also in the origin of its materials, the craftsmanship of the master, and the story it carries with it.
The Gauja black soil, dating back more than 1,000 years
The knife handle is made from a special type of black ash obtained from the Gauja—Latvia’s longest river. This wood is more than 1,000 years old and has lain in the riverbed for a long time, protected from the usual processes of wood decay.
Centuries of interaction between the oak tree, water, and river sediments have gradually altered the wood’s color and character, creating the deep, dark tones characteristic of black oak. Each piece is unique—it retains the wood’s natural texture, color transitions, and grain pattern.
In this knife, black soil is not just the material used for the handle. This is a small fragment of Latvia’s natural history that has been preserved in the Gauja Riverbed for more than a thousand years and has now been given new life in the hands of a master craftsman.
Damascus steel—each blade has its own pattern
The BLACK OAK blade is made of Damascus steel, which is characterized by its distinctive, wavy layered pattern. This pattern is created by joining and forging layers of different steels during the forging process.
That is precisely why the Damascus blade is not just a functional part of the knife—its surface is unique in and of itself. The lines and their arrangement are slightly different on each blade, giving every BLACK OAK knife its own individual character.
A properly crafted and sharpened Damascus steel blade ensures excellent cutting performance and a sharp cutting edge. To preserve the steel’s appearance and properties, it is recommended to clean the blade after use, dry it thoroughly, and periodically treat it with protective oil.
Natural materials and handcrafted by a master artisan
The dark Gauja black soil, more than a thousand years old, contrasts beautifully with the light-colored natural material elements on the front of the handle and the metal spacers. Together with the Damascus steel pattern, this creates a understated, masculine, and at the same time sophisticated knife design.
The set is complemented by a handcrafted natural leather sheath, whose decorative lacing and natural material details reflect the knife’s authentic character. The sheath protects the knife and, at the same time, is an integral part of the overall design.
A knife with a history dating back more than a thousand years
BLACK OAK is not just a handcrafted knife. The handle carries on the history of Gauja black soil, which dates back more than 1,000 years, while the Damascus steel blade showcases the character of traditional forging and gives each knife a unique appearance.
This is a knife for someone who appreciates natural materials, Latvian origins, traditional craftsmanship, and items with a genuine story behind them.
AAKnives BLACK OAK – Gauja black soil dating back more than 1,000 years. Damascus steel. Handcrafted. One knife – one unique story.
