Story and Photos by Joshua Swanagon
I remember when I first came across Bobby Garza and Diamondback Country Knives. I was still Editing Knives Illustrated Magazine and writing the “Rising Talent” column when I noticed his work. There was something about his knives that compelled me to reach out to him and include him in the following issue. You can read that column here, if you would like to learn a little more about him.
It has been about a year since I featured him in that column and his work hasn’t ceased to impress me. The fit and finish alone are the type of work that I feel his father would be very proud of – and definitely something I am very proud to carry and use.
When we discussed featuring one of his knives on Knife & Gear Society, I really had a hard time deciding which one to go with, because they are all incredible. But together we decided on the Razorback, because it is a great, all around camp knife.
I am very glad we went this direction, here’s why.
When I received the Razorback, I knew we had made the right decision to go with this model. The size makes it a versatile camp knife, while the aesthetics make it a great conversation piece.
The 10.8125-inch overall length of the Razorback places it into the medium camp knife category. Not long enough to be considered a chopper, but longer than a dedicated bushcraft knife. While it would not dominate in either of these specific categories, it is a great blend of both.
The 6-inch, 80CrV2 blade, features a high flat grind, brought to a polished finish. The blade flats are stylized with a hammered finish – giving it a textured, camp forged look. The Razorback has a classic Bowie style and look, with a straight clip point – giving the tip similar strength to that of a drop point.
The .204-inch blade thickness adds a lot of girth and brings the Razorback to a meaty 11.8 ounces overall. Although that is a lot of steel, it does assist in giving the Razorback some solid chopping power in its shorter package. The deep forward belly also helps to focus the weight forward during chopping, while the balance still holds true at the finger notch.
Normally, a knife with this kind of girth would have a lot of meat behind the edge, but the high flat grind of the Razorback helps to ensure that it has an edge geometry suitable for smaller whittling chores as well.
When you look through the work of Diamondback Country Knives, you will notice that Bobby likes to use exquisite handle scale materials – the Razorback I received for testing is no different. Featuring Hawaiian Koa, with G-10 liners, the 4.875-inch handle has amazing ergonomics and is held in place by two hollow pins and a larger hollow lanyard pin at the butt.
Also at the butt is a nice rear quillion (rear guard), to enhance the grip during draw cuts and chopping, and a lanyard hole pin large enough to easily fit a doubled piece of paracord – although it came with a nicely braided leather lanyard with geometrically ground steel beads. Just behind the ricasso is a finger notch and front quillion (guard), ensuring that the hand doesn’t slide up the blade during any tasks requiring forward pressure.
The Razorback came with a high quality, heavy-duty leather dangler sheath, constructed by Cline Sheaths. Although the dangler loop is removable, via a screw, the ring is permanent. So, you can alter this to be a belt line sheath (my personal preference), but it will still contain the ring.
If you were so inclined, you could remove the ring with the proper tools, but it would be a permanent alteration. So, make sure you don’t want to go back if you do this.
The Razorback looked way too nice and felt way too good in the hand to waste any time getting it into the field. These are the days that I love my job.
We are in the middle of the thaw/rainy season here in Michigan and our ground is quite soft and muddy. So, on a recent outing I needed to create a dry spot for a fire. To do so, I took a log and split it into planks that I could lay on the ground, creating a dry bed for my fire.
I then used the Razorback to split some firewood for the fire. Although it was hard, seasoned wood, the Razorback slid right through with no issues. As a bit of a bonus, the thick stock of the blade acted as a small wedge, which helped force the wood to split early in the process.
I moved on to limb an old tree and was able to cleanly chop right through 1.75-inch rounds in just two or three chops. The cuts were clean and deep with each chop.
Next, I wanted to see how it would do as a chopper – being a mid-size camp knife with a heavy stock – and I chopped the end off the fallen tree, which was approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. It took a few chops and I would not want to have to process an entire pile of firewood. But in a pinch, I feel it did a good enough job for an emergency. For a mid-size knife, I was impressed with its chopping capabilities.
I then went on to create a camp hammer, which is perfect for hammering stakes into the ground, as a head knocker for animals in your traps/snares or batoning when necessary. Creating the camp hammer required a lot of cross grain batoning and I was certain that it would have a slightly adverse effect on the edge – especially considering it was created out of old, seasoned, very hard lilac wood – but I was wrong.
After creating the camp hammer and then cross grain batoning a notch into an old, fallen maple tree, the edge was still in as good of shape as it was when I received it.
Finally, I wanted to give it a go on some smaller, bushcraft type work, so I carved out a few stakes (I never take tarp stakes with me when I backpack). The points were easy, using a chopping method to shape them quickly. The finer work of carving out the notches was also no issue and I had complete control of the Razorback, despite its large size for a task like this.
Next, I carved out a couple notches – typical for trap and snare making – and even the fine detail in carving these notches proved easy. I had no issues controlling the Razorback during finer detailed work.
As the Razorback sits on my desk now, after a couple outings and some rigorous testing, the edge is still in great shape and I am able to cut paper cleanly and slowly.
The old saying holds true, “you get what you pay for.”
When you purchase a custom knife there are certain things you expect. Quality. Fit and finish. Dependability. Aesthetics. Performance. These are all hallmarks of Diamondback Country Knives. When you find a knife that is as pleasing to look at as it is to use, you have found the kind of knife you can be proud of and can pass down to your children.
Although the Razorback is not a dedicated bushcraft knife, or a dedicated chopper, it is a well thought out and well executed blend of the two. But the quality of Diamondback Country Knives does not end with the Razorback. If you are looking for a bushcraft knife, chopper or something with more of a tactical or EDC flare, you can find what you are looking for with Diamondback Country Knives, and I will attest that you will not be disappointed.
Although his books are closed right now, as he prepares for Blade Show, get in touch with Bobby at Diamondback Country Knives now to get an early spot when they open back up.
Also, make sure to enter the contest below, to win yourself a Diamondback Country Knives Copperhead, and you will be able to see for yourself just what I am talking about. K&G
Join the Conversation, comment on this story below. >>
Blade Material: 80CrV2 @60 HRCBlade Length: 6 inchesHandle Length: 4.875 inchesOverall Length: 10.8125 inchesBlade Thickness: .204 inchBlade Finish: Hand Hammered finish with Satin bevels.Weight: 11.8 ouncesHandle Material: Hawaiian Koa + Black G10 linersSheath: Charlie Cline LeatherMSRP: $695.00 as shown
Diamondback Country KnivesFacebook: @DiamondbackCountryKnivesInstagram: @DiamondbackCountryKnives
Cline Sheaths(828) 356-4594www.ClineKnives.com
Digging Deeper
Although $695 might be a little hard on your budget, fear not, Diamondback Country Knives has a version that will be available for Blade Show and after, made out of CPM 3V, that will only be $495. The leather sheath will be an additional $55 but is well worth the cost.
Giveaway
Want to win a brand new Diamondback Country Knives Copperhead, along with a Knife & Gear Society patch and sticker, WorkSharp Micro Sharpener & Knife tool and WorkSharp Pocket Knife Sharpener? This is your chance. And it’s easy too.
All you have to do is go to our Instagram page (@knifeandgearsociety) and follow us, go to Diamondback Country Knives’ Instagram page (@DiamondbackCountryKnives) and follow them and then comment on the story below, letting us know what you like about this knife, based on the story above. Please make sure to include your Instagram User Name, so we can contact you on Instagram if you win.
That is it. It really is that simple. Once we have verified that you have done all three, we will add your name to the drawing, which will take place on Thursday, April 2nd. The winner will be notified via PM on Instagram and will have 24 hours to respond.
Shipping and handling will be covered by Knife & Gear Society and will be taken care of as soon as a winner is established. There will be no substitution prizes. Knife & Gear Society is not responsible for lost or stolen prizes.
We would like to congratulate @theillumin8tor on winning the Diamondback Country Knives Copperhead.
Thank you all for your participation and don’t worry If you didn’t win, we will be doing more of these throughout the year – the plan is to continue doing a GAW every month. So, keep an eye out next month for our next GAW, it promises to be a great one.
Joshua Swanagon has studied survival in both urban and wilderness environments in Colorado and Michigan for most of his life, while also adding experience in harsher terrains abroad. He utilizes his experience and years of diverse martial arts and combatives training and real world application as a self-defense/combatives instructor, published freelance writer and Field Editor for various magazines in the fields of knives, survival, self-defense and tactical subject matters. Joshua also brings with him his years of experience as Editor of, and Subject Matter Expert for, Knives Illustrated Magazine.
I really like the look, material, and quality of this knife. I’ve been following Diamondback Country for a few months now after finding their page on Instagram, and I’m always impressed with the awesome quality that is clearly visible from just the pictures he posts. I don’t really have $695 to spend on this knife, but I’m sure that it’s worth it. Instagram @andresgomez1000
I’ve been a lover of knives for a long time, but I’ve only seen knives like the Razorback from afar. The handle on the knife is beyond beautiful, and I prefer the wide blade shape of the Razorback to narrower knives. I would love to win the copperhead as I would simply never be able to afford this knife. As a teacher without a job till at least August I would have lots of time to get familiar with that beautiful blade. I just love the carbon fiber as well.
Woops forgot my IG account name @maxlvledc
Hi guys First thanks for the chance … This knife looks amazing and seeing the post it looks like it’s a great knife for wood work which is a passion The blade looks perfect and the handle looks really comfy I would be more than happy and great-full to win this knife Good luck all Julien Name on insta is mogwahigh
Wanted to say that the copperhead is more than beautiful and I would make a great use of it if I have the chance to win it Cheers all
What I like about the knife is that it was made by Bobby. I’ve been following Bobby for a little over a year now on IG and reposting his amazingly beautiful knives. It was not until recently that I realized he was local to me here in Omaha. When I was finally ready to place my first order, I took some cigars over to his home where he graciously invited me in. We enjoyed some fine cigar, Scotch some amazing Rum and had some amazing conversations revolving around his love for knives and wood. I’d love to opportunity to add a second Diamondbackcountryknives to my collection. DonnieSentMe is my IG profile
@eric.w.jackson79
This Razorback, and all of Mr. Garza’s knives, has this simple balance of style and toughness that really appeals to me! I admit to owning a couple of his knives already. Hard to beat the fit, finish and balance. And man they cut! Great article. Good knife. Outstanding knife maker.
I love the look of this knife!!! I really want to win it because I do not own a quality fixed blade knife. My IG name is jody.bailey.737
I’ve been enjoying seeing Diamondback Country Knives for a while now. I really love the Razorback for its balance of simplicity and uniqueness. I can only imagine how it feels in hand. Excellent materials and world class craftsmanship. It would be cared for and used well if I was the fortunate one to win.
I’ve been enjoying seeing Diamondback Country Knives for a while now. I really love the Razorback for its balance of simplicity and uniqueness. I can only imagine how it feels in hand. Excellent materials and world class craftsmanship. It would be cared for and used well if I was the fortunate one to win. @Shieldoffreedom1776 is my Instagram handle
donald.cole.9003 I really like the steel used here. This blade is in the “just the right size” category. The grind seems very useful for most anything I can think of for the camp or hunt. I’m grateful for all the information on gear and the opportunity. I would use this on my fishing, hunting and camping outings and yes it would get used often.
Absolutely phenomenal looking work (I’ve never had the chance to handle one but definitely in my top 3 knifemakers I follow). So you’re looking for me to try to try to validate why I should win this knife over the other posts here huh? I can’t say that I do deserve it more than anyone else here but I will tell you what it would mean to me if I did win it….. There is something that draws me to tools, especially ones that I can take into nature and basically prove myself to me, when I do this I try to push that tool harder than most and I take a real good beating too. It’s really just me escaping my emotions…. So I do this pretty often and have done it with a lot of knives…. anyway a while back a case with 92% of my knives was stole from me, including my grandfather’s and my ex wife’s grandfathers knives…..and more recently than that my ursus 45 was stolen, I have finally been able to replace it with the FC5, a great knife and the highest price knife I have ever owned. I know I’ll never get my “collection” back to what it used to be but this knife would sure mean a lot to me and I would hold it dear to me, I put as much care into my tools as I dish out on them, they deserve the respect. Thank you for the opportunity, it is very much appreciated!
Wow! I am very sorry to hear that your collection was stolen, that really sucks. I hope you have some good luck rebuilding a solid collection.
I haven’t had the chance to own one yet. Maybe this can change that, I love the thickness of the blade pared with 80crv2 steel, it seems like it will chop and baton and then feather stick for your fire. It would replace my fiskars hatchet it my bushcraft loadout and would work tandem with my silky saw. My IG is drakeveit but contact me through my email at woodland turnings@gmail.com. I don’t use IG app so I don’t have access to PMs
The Diamondback Knife has a great look to it and a great all around size.
I haven’t seen anything that I didn’t like. Every knife made shows the dedication to quality. Every material is top notch. I would be a proud recipient of this incredible Razorback!
@raiden_skye
This knife looks sick. I’ve been wanting to add a fixed blade to my collection, but wasn’t sure where to start. Winning this giveaway would be amazing, the handle looks super comfortable and the blade can take a beating. Send it my way, I’m ready! @kjreames on IG
It’s a beautiful knife, good characteristics for a camp and hunting knife, I always like a good tool, this is magnificent. @williamchaverri
What’s not to like about this knife? It’s beautifully handcrafted, it’s built for rigorous use, it’s one of a kind! I could go on and on about how much I like Diamondback Country Knives! Bobby Garcia is a true artist. I personally have been carrying knives since I was 14 and certainly have an eye for quality 2 decades later…even though my hair’s getting grey. Lol I’ve also been a blue collar worker my whole life and understand the importance of having a good blade on hand. A good blade will save lots of hassle during a job and even save lives. Having a Diamondback Country Knife has been a dream of mine since I first seen them. To own DBCK is like owning the bazooka of knives. 100% insta-humminqb1rd (humminqbird)
Love the balanced look of the Razorback and the color combo on the Copperhead handle!
@anthony_bales
I’ve been collecting knives since I was 10 years old. First time my dad let me play with a knife when I was a kid, I ended up with 8 stitches in my thumb and have loved them ever since. I have never owned such a quality looking hand made knife, and it’s the type of knife I’ve always dreamed of owning. Congratulations to whoever may win this beauty! @lukewhatuup
Absolutely gorgeous knife! I’ve been eyeing a knife like this for a long time and this would hit just the spot!
Insta: tlattro
I found this on Instagram and loved the look. The flat grind makes for one beautiful blade. The handle compliments the blade and looks very comfortable. The review makes me want one. My IG is @genia570
I really like the shape and contours of the knife. I dont currently have a larger fixed blade. And would love to add this to my collection.
I would love to win one of these awesome knives. Been wanting one for a while now. Love the size and shape of the blade plus its had a beautiful handle. My Instagram name is jimmyleejoslin.
I really like the looks and feel and he uses great material. Great craftsmanship!
Personally, this knife is at a prohibitive price point for me, and to win one would be awesome. Despite the prices of this brand, when I stumbled across these knives a while back they looked so good that I followed them on instagram anyway. The aesthetics are really great and if it feels as good as it looks, then count me in! Instagram: @crazyshha
Razorback County Knives have a great balance beauty and utility. The Copperhead has been my favorite. Whoever wins it will love it.
Beautiful knife and looks like the handmade quality that I’ve always wanted to own! My knife obsession started at an early age when my dad let me play with his pocket knife and I ended up with 8 stitches! Haven’t had any accidents since, that required stitches at least. Congrats to anybody who wins this beautiful knife!!
Your handles are simply beautiful. The razorbacks striping is fantastic and the copperheads contrast looks amazing. @sjpfeifer on IG.
I’ve loved the workmanship that Bobby puts into his knives. He gets inventive with handle materials and details that I don’t see to much in other manufacturers. I have been stalking his IG just waiting for the right combination of knife materials that will make me pull the trigger on updating my EDC to a fixed blade! The Razorback with its unique handle material (Hawaiian Koa) married to the fit and finish Bobby puts into his work may sway me to grab one for Camp activities… #cheers @theillumin8tor
My instagram id is @fcdt3. This is one stellar looking knife. The handle is exquisite, with a beautiful colour blend. As for the blade, it looks mighty sturdy, and its lines are quite something. This would make both an exceptional EDC knife, and a show-piece to proudly show off! Well done, Sir!
Apologies—My first name should read, ‘David’. I was so enamoured by your knife, that my hands were unable to complete the spelling of my name!
Hello I love knives and I especially love this one if I would win this knife it would make me feel happy I love fixed blades and would like to have this knife to use.
This blade looks amazing! Judging by the article not only will this blade have great functionality, it will also fit the hand well and be a great tool to carry that is well balanced. Thank you for all that you do with the articles on this webpage as there is great information here!
Thank you very much!!!
My Instagram is dgoat007 btw. Sorry for leaving that out
badass! I want one!
DCK represents that standard of quality that could be soon in everything from handle to the itched logo on the blade itself. I can only dream of having one of their creations as my camp companion, but one can hope right?) IG: clevergnome
Thanks for the article. I’m always intrigued by a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing knife. Especially one that doesn’t bind. Good Stuff @jrlowe3
Awesome knife and configuration. Beautiful work. Instagram @greggambla
@slackergts is my IG. Love that it’s that in between size of a full size chopper and a regular sized fixed blade. This is perfect for my situation where I dont go camping often enough to justify having a monster sized blade. It’s also a beauty. Would be proud to keep this around
I absolutely love this knife and the look of it as well. Ok ima go ahead and state my reason of why I wish I could win this knife and it’s pretty simple actually. Here is my simple reason. All my life I have been known as “the loser”. I’ve never done anyone any harm but I’ve always got picked on until I picked back then was considered a bully, I’ve always have been the one to let a person borrow money and never asked for back, but when I would ask for a favor it would be like asking for their right arm. I am not looking for sympathy or anything like, and I’ve always been the one to help other while I had to help myself. I’ve never won or received anything in my life, and really have no Hope’s on winning anything ever, but I’m going to try hard to win this knife for myself. I’m a hard working man and for once in my loser lif, I feel like this, this particular knife should be mines. thank you and good luck everyone. Adam pizana.
I love love the hammered finish. The Koa handle is sharp too! This would be perfect for my hiking bag, to cut thru annoying bushes and cut for fires. Big enough to do the job, but not too big to be a burden. Perfect. Instagram is @beardedcigar
It is a gorgeous knife. I’ve been following Diamond Back Knives for a while. I’m a collector and love simple yet useful knives for every day. Think I’ll add it to the camp collection or what I call my crawlspace knives. Instagram is matthewashworth.
WOW!! Congrats….such a beautiful knife. I’m glad I’m already on Bobby’s board though
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