Expert Craftsmanship and Patented Design Create Superior Cutting Performance
The Diamond Blade Summit is a remarkable entry in the world of high-end knives, offering a blend of innovative, patented technology, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship that makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. I had a chance to use it on This review will delve into the various aspects of the Diamond Blade Summit, exploring its design, performance, durability, and overall value to give you a comprehensive look at what this knife has to offer.
Design and Construction
The Diamond Blade Summit knife features a sophisticated design that marries functionality with aesthetics. The blade is crafted using the pioneering Friction Forged® technology, which is known for producing some of the sharpest and most durable edges in the industry. This technology involves heating high quality tool steel to an extremely high temperature and then forging it under immense pressure, which results in a fine-grain structure in the steel that produces an incredibly hard edge, designed to retain its sharpness through extensive use. The blade itself is made from high-grade D2 tool steel, a material revered for its hardness and resistance to wear. The steel’s composition includes high levels of chromium and carbon, providing substantial corrosion resistance and hence it’s ability to maintain a keen edge, even after repeated uses.
The Summit’s drop point blade measures about 3.5 inches in length, making it versatile for a variety of cutting tasks, from the precise work required in capping an animal to more robust outdoor activities like camping. The drop point blade style is ideal for field dressing, skinning, and quartering your game animal. It is a “one size fits all” knife.
The handle of the Summit is another highlight, crafted from several types of premium, stabilized wood, bone, or sure-grip G10 (made from fiberglass epoxy), depending on the model. Handle materials are known for their durability and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and temperature changes. The handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, providing a secure grip even in wet conditions or when wearing gloves. The aesthetics of the handle and the drop point blade design are equally impressive, featuring a sleek, modern look that complements its rugged functionality.
Performance
Every seasoned outdoorsman will attest that a quality knife is a vital tool when in the field. Maintaining a sharp edge is imperative as a dull knife is actually a dangerous knife, due to the tendency to try and work it too hard and cause an unexpected “slip”, that can have devastating injury repercussions.
The sharpness of the friction-forged blade is immediately noticeable. It offers exceptional cutting power with minimal effort, making it ideal for a range of uses, from kitchen prep to field dressing game. The edge retention is superior, thanks to the dense microstructure of the Friction Forged® steel, meaning you’ll spend less time sharpening and more time working. Rigorous testing at Brigham Young University demonstrated that Friction Forged® blades outperformed all other blade materials in sharpness, edge retention, and blade toughness. If you ever feel the need, Diamond Blade will re-sharpen the knife free of charge, simple ship the knife back to the factory.
The balance of the knife is perfectly tuned, with a slight bias towards the blade, which aids in precise cutting tasks. The Summit handles well, feeling like an extension of the arm, which enhances control and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. Whether you are slicing, dicing, or carving, the knife performs with remarkable efficiency and ease.
Durability
Durability is another strong point of the Diamond Blade Summit. The Friction Forged® technology not only enhances the blade’s sharpness but also its toughness. The blade can withstand considerable abuse, from chopping wood to cutting through tough materials like bone and hide, without showing signs of wear. The high chromium content of the D2 steel also provides excellent rust resistance, which is crucial for a knife that may be exposed to harsh outdoor environments.
The full-length tang of the knife immediately suggests quality and enhances the balance and feel of the knife in your hand. Friction Forged® technology actually produces the same performance as stainless steel due to the unique, patented heat treating process, making your knife extremely corrosion resistant.
The handle’s construction, whether in stabilized wood, bone, or G10, ensures that it can endure the rigors of heavy use without deteriorating. It is impervious to swelling, cracking, or splitting, maintaining its integrity and appearance over time. The overall construction of the knife is solid, with no loose parts or perceptible weaknesses, indicating that it is built to last for many years, even with daily use.
Value
The Diamond Blade Summit is undoubtedly a premium product, and its price reflects that. However, when considering the advanced technology, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship that go into each knife, it represents a significant value for those who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. Diamond Blade Summit knives come with a rugged, Kydex-lined leather sheath that is carefully designed to protect the knife. The knife also comes with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, providing additional peace of mind.
For knife collectors and enthusiasts, the Summit is a worthy addition to any collection, not only as a functional tool but also as a piece of modern cutlery art. For professionals, whether in culinary, hunting, or tactical fields, the Summit provides a reliable, high-performance tool that enhances their capability to perform their tasks.
Why I Like This Knife
The Diamond Blade Summit stands out as a pinnacle of knife technology. I had a chance to use it to completely process 3 deer, from field dressing to skinning to quartering, and cutting into freezer-sized cuts ready to transport. The edge maintained its sharpness through the entire process and is still capable of providing a close shave if needed. I regularly keep my knives at peak sharpness with a series of whetstones (coarse to ultra-fine) but have yet to need to fine tune the edge on my Diamond Blade Summit.
Its cutting-edge construction, exceptional performance, and robust durability make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality knife. Whether you are a chef, hunter, outdoorsman, or simply someone who appreciates fine tools, the Summit offers a combination of features that are hard to match in the knife market.
For those willing to invest in a high-end knife, the Summit not only meets the expected standards but exceeds them, providing a versatile, long-lasting tool that maintains its excellence through years of use. This knife is not just a purchase; it’s an investment that you will be able to pass along to the next generation.
