Douk Douk Folding Knife 18

XC75 at about 53 HRC. My first reaction to this was to think 'soft'. Don't be misled, this blade will hold it's edge very nicely. Treated this way by Cognet to be easily maintainable, strop after use and - depending what you've been doing back up to shaving sharp. Needs a whole different approach to 'super steel'. Any steel, be it S30V, S110V, or whatever will lose it's .05 micron hair popping edge after a fair bit of use. Why 53 then?, well, it's for those who know how to maintain this kind of blade. COGNET did a limited run of hoarder bladed douk's a couple of years ago in stainless and carbon, both at 58 ish I think. They said on their website that they were for those that preferred harder blades but added the advice not to use the blade for prying etc ! (can't remember the steels but the stainless was similar to VG10). COGNET also do now the 'Sons of Douk Douk' range in N690co - nice - see their site. To sum up the Douk is a worker, cheap, beautifully made just about the same way it always has been, although steel was XC65 in 1960 I think, so slight upgrade. Put just over 30° inclusive on the edge, strop when necessary and you're good to go. Built to be a worker, chuck in your pocket and forget it, but take good care of the blade, it deserves it, drop forged incidentally, don't know whether this is why it holds such a good edge or not - opinions vary!, buy one, could be the only knife you'll need !

There’s a reason this blade has the reputation it has. A mystery carbon steel that holds an edge a little longer than an opinel but takes its edge quicker. Utilitarian and svelte. Nothing more need be said. Simply no way to improve upon its design..

NOT MUCH TO ADD TO THE OTHER REVIEWS OTHER THAN FLIP THE LOOP OVER THE EDGE OF THE BLADE WHEN CLOSED AND SUPER SAFE.GET IN THE BIGGEST ONE HH PLEASE.

A marvellous basic knife that lives up to its heritage. Ordered with the MAM leather slip pouch and they go very well together. Fits well into trouser and waist coat pockets with the leather pouch as protection. The knife arrived with a very, very slight covering of oil on the blade, which was a nice touch. Great condition with a keen blade edge. May just need a slight stropping to bring it up to excellent. The back spring is strong, but no issues deploying as enough showing to get hold of to open. I can assure you there is no need for a nail nick or thumb stud for this knife. A solid well made basic knife I can highly recommend that fits nicely into a pocket without causing discomfort. Will be looking to purchase the petite folder as soon as I can Once again, Heinnie service 2nd to none. Won't shop anywhere else.

I wrote an earlier review about the Douk Douk, the first one I ordered came covered in red rust & I returned it. I finally decided to order another & I'm so glad I did. It is possible that the Douk Douk could become my new favourite knife, & to think it only cost me £28.00 including shipping. The knife feels very solidly made & it takes a very keen edge. It was the history behind the Douk Douk that originally grabbed my attention as I an a collector but I think it will be a knife that Im really going to enjoy using for many years to come.

Had one of these as a kid, used (and abused) it till it fell to pieces. It just has bags of character and is an antidote to all the modern ''tactical'' looking knives. As a tool it is highly useful, the carbon steel blade sharpens up nicely and stays that way for a fair while, it has a great thin scimitar shape and gets the job done. The handle is long enough for most peoples hands though the thin metal construction might be slightly uncomfortable with prolonged use. The back spring is so powerful it doesn't need a lock. Character, function, good price, a great little folder!

Nice knife but mine arrived absolutely covered in red rust. I returned it & I'm still considering whether or not I should order another.

As a Frenchman living in UK I could not be complete without my Douk-Douk. I now carry a piece of French history and genetic with me all day. A mean blade I use to shave with when out in the wild and a great subject of conversation. Thank Heinnie Haynes for the service.

Knife arrived promptly the next day securely packaged, prompt efficient service. Sharp ish when arrived, it would do the paper test, although with some catching. Sharpened using fine Norton India and hard translucent Arkansas with Norton oil. 40 degree included angle with flat levels. Shaving sharp. Tested on Pine and hardwood with 150 slicing cuts on each with the grain and across grain. Given a slight strop on leather after with no additive. Shaving sharp again, hair off arm easily. Hardness is quoted as 52 to 54 on the net, but lower figure is 50 on Cognet's site. Seems to hold its edge as well as Knives with a higher HRC rating. If you want a knife you can slip in your pocket and forget about this is it. The edge is suspended 4 millimetres from the spring by the kick with no blade bounce. No play anywhere, rock solid. Highly recommended, obviously made by people who know what they're doing. Oh yes, bags of history too!.