Inspecting inlay, horn and Damascus on arrival
A knife with this much detail rewards a careful look out of the carton. For a Pakistani Damascus skinner with pearl inlay, check:
- The three pearl diamonds sit flush with the black horn, with no raised edges or gaps around them.
- The horn is glossy and free of cracks, especially near the brass bolster.
- The Damascus pattern on the 12.5 cm blade is clearly etched and continues into the gut hook.
- The inner edge of the gut hook is evenly ground.
- The knife seats fully in its leather case.
Pieces with natural horn vary slightly in shade from one knife to the next; that is normal.
