This is a
Charles Bennica Claude Schosseler Damascus & Exotic Material Interframe
Linerlock Folder. The blade measures 3 ¼
inches, the handle measures 4 ¼ inches, for an overall length of 7 ½ inches. I am proud to offer this knife by master
French knifemaker Charles Bennica. Charles was born in Sicily, Italy, and now
resides and works out of the town of Moules-et-Baucels, Southern France.
Charles is an extremely talented and artistically gifted knifemaker, as well as
an extremely nice gentleman. His knives, both fixed blade and folder, are
extremely hi-tech and feature precision machining, perfect tolerances, and
fluid, beautiful lines. Only the nicest materials are used and his mirror
polish is truly superb. Charles also developed his own proprietary locking
system which is featured on most of his folders, and is a type of butt capp
release mechanism which is practically undetectable when the knife is in the
open or closed positions…a true marvel of engineering and machining! He is
without a doubt one of the top art knife makers in the world today. This is
another masterpiece by Charles. The blade and handle frame of this amazing
knife are entirely made of Claude Schosseler damascus in two distinct and
beautiful patterns. In fact, the only parts of the knife that are not damascus
or exotic material are the machined stainless steel pivot screws and the
machined steel linerlock tab (which is perfectly inset into the damascus frame
rather than just being placed on top of the frame…a feat of engineering in
itself). The Tolerances, action, and overall fit and finish are immaculate. The
lockup is perfection. The exotic material interframe inlays are spectacular…they
almost look three-dimensional. There is an amazing depth to them and the color
and patterns are some of the nicest I have seen in this type of material. The
knife is dated 2009 and signed Bennica on the interior of the backspine. The
knife comes with a leather pouch for storage. A beautiful damascus masterpiece
with flowing lines by one of the best!
Charles is
also one of the 25 AKI (Art Knife Invitational) knifemakers, a very prestigious
and select group of some of the top knifemakers and artisans in the
world. The AKI event takes place every two years in San Diego,
CA and is one of, if not, the most important and prestigious art
knife event in the world.