Elegance, refinement and contemporary materials characterise this handcrafted fixed-blade knife by Sergey Shidlovskiy, known as the Stiletto Grande. Its particularly slender silhouette is dominated by a 15 cm blade made from VG-10 stainless damascene laminated steel, whose undulating patterns remain visible along almost its entire length.

The laminated construction combines the recognised qualities of VG-10 with the characteristic aesthetic of damascened steel layers. The contrast between the polished blade and the successive lines of the damascene pattern lends great depth to the design, which is particularly visible along the bevel.

At just 3 mm thick, the blade clearly prioritises finesse and cutting quality over excessive robustness. Its long, narrow geometry and very gradually tapering point give the knife an almost hybrid silhouette, somewhere between a contemporary fixed-blade knife and a precision cutting tool.

The handle continues this pursuit of visual lightness with long carbon fibre scales. Their exposed structure complements the Damascus patterns remarkably well: two materials that are technically very different but which, here, share the same visual depth. The through-tubes add a few further touches of contrast whilst maintaining an extremely understated construction.

The total length is 27 cm, comprising a 15 cm blade. Despite these already substantial dimensions, the knife’s very slender proportions give it a much more slender than bulky appearance and keep the weight down to 108 g!

This example comes with its brown leather sheath, crafted in a deliberately traditional style. The contrast is striking: classic leather for carrying, with a flap for protection, and stainless steel and carbon Damascus steel for the knife itself.

An unusual handcrafted piece that stands out less for the complexity of its construction than for the purity of its proportions and the particularly successful combination of Damascus steel and carbon fibre.

(Personal) Tellknives review:
This piece holds a special place in my heart, as Sergey Shidlovskiy is not only a cutler whose work I admire: he is also a friend.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of discovering and showcasing many of his creations at Tellknives, and in this knife I find everything I love about his work: extremely clean lines, exquisite craftsmanship and, above all, that ability to create elegant pieces without ever overcomplicating them.

This Stiletto Grande model is a fine example of this; the long blade, just 3 mm thick, possesses a delicacy that is almost surprising when you hold it in your hand. The VG-10 core stainless steel Damascus pattern lends it great visual depth, whilst the carbon steel of the handle remains sufficiently understated to allow the blade to take centre stage.

But beyond the materials, it is above all the knife’s overall balance that I appreciate. Nothing seems superfluous: the lines are fluid, the proportions are spot on and the finish is exceptionally meticulous. In my view, Sergey possesses that rather rare quality of knowing when to stop at just the right moment when designing a knife.

It is, of course, difficult for me to be entirely objective when showcasing a friend’s work. But it is precisely for this reason that Sergey Shidlovskiy’s knives hold a special place at Tellknives: I don’t stock them simply because I find them beautiful, but because I know and appreciate the man behind them and the care he puts into his work.

Technical specifications for the Sergey Shidlovskiy Custom Knife VG-10 Damascus Carbon Fibre fixed-blade knife:
Overall length: 27.0 cm
Blade length: 15.0 cm
Handle length: 12.0 cm
Blade thickness: 3 mm
Blade steel: VG-10 stainless Damascus laminated steel
Edge finish: smooth
Construction: full tang
Handle material: carbon fibre
Handle attachment: through-hole metal tubes
Lanyard hole: yes
Lanyard: cord with metal fitting
Sheath: brown leather
Manufacturer / cutler: Sergey Shidlovskiy
Type: handcrafted fixed-blade knife / Custom Knife