Tenable Zues G021A4 Damascus Blade Damascus Handle Fixed Blade Knife

The Tenable Zues G021A4 combines a distinctive Damascus blade and matching Damascus handle in a compact fixed-blade design by designer Frank Grissom. Its 3.95-inch tanto blade features a flat grind and measures 0.25 inch thick. Overall length is 8.52 inches, and weight is 6.70 ounces. Layered Damascus steel gives the knife a patterned finish that makes each piece visually distinctive. A Kydex sheath is included for carrying and storage. The fixed-blade construction offers a straightforward format for outdoor tasks. To help preserve its finish, dry the blade thoroughly after use and apply a light coat of oil before storage. Keep the knife clean and store it in a dry place. Handle and use responsibly, following local laws and safe practices.

Damascus Blade Introduction

Damascus steel is renowned for its distinctive wavy patterns and exceptional combination of strength and flexibility, offering superior edge retention and resilience against chipping. However, its layered structure renders it prone to corrosion if not meticulously maintained, and variations in modern forge-welding quality can lead to inconsistent performance. Regular oiling and careful drying are essential to preserve both its aesthetic allure and functional integrity.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall Length	8.52''/216.4mm
Blade Length	3.95''/100.4mm
Blade Thickness	0.25''/6.3mm
Blade & Handle Material	Damascus
Blade Style	Tanto
Blade Grind	Flat Grind
Blade Finish	Damascus
Lock Type	Fixed Blade
Weight	6.70 oz/189.9g
Model Name	Zues
Model Number	G021A4
Designer	Frank Grissom
Sheath	Kydex Sheath

Tenable Zues G021A4 - Damascus Tanto Fixed Blade with Kydex Sheath

The Tenable Zues G021A4, designed by Frank Grissom, is a full-tang fixed blade: 3.95 inch damascus tanto on 6.3 mm stock, damascus finish, with a Kydex sheath included at 189.9 g (6.70 oz). A fixed blade built for field and belt duty.

Pattern-Welded Damascus: Every Blade One of a Kind

The G021A4 runs Damascus steel for both blade and handle, etched to reveal the layered pattern - no two blades show the same banding. Buy it for the look and the story, and treat the edge like good carbon steel: wipe it dry, oil it monthly and never store it damp in the sheath. Edge retention lands around a good carbon steel, and the 199.89 price reflects the forge work in every layer. Compare it with D2, 154CM and CPM-S35VN in the table below.

Why the Tenable Zues Belongs in Your Kit

• 3.95 inch Damascus tanto blade with a hard angular edge break.
• 6.3 mm (0.25 inch) blade stock - a heavyweight spine for hard utility work.
• Full tang construction with the handle cut from the same steel as the blade.
• Damascus finish with a long swedge along the angular spine.
• Black Kydex sheath with adjustable retention included.
• Frank Grissom design with integrated handle cut-outs and lanyard option.
• 189.9 g (6.70 oz) on an 8.52 inch frame - a planted full-size belt knife.
• Flat grind that keeps the working edge thin despite the heavy stock.

Best Uses for the Zues G021A4

• Camp and trail duty: kindling, food packs, cordage and feeder work.
• Belt carry as the truck or pack knife that never needs a lock checked.
• Utility and scraping tasks where a tanto tip earns its keep.
• Range and gear work: cutting webbing, straps and cardboard bales.
• Collector display for the one-of-a-kind Damascus pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is the Zues G021A4?
Damascus pattern-welded steel for both blade and handle on the G021A4. D2-family steels are stain resistant rather than stainless: wipe dry, oil monthly.

Does it come with a sheath?
Yes. Every Zues ships with a black Kydex sheath with adjustable retention screws and belt slots - no upcharge, no hunting for a fit.

Why a tanto blade?
The tanto's straight front edge and angular break put steel directly behind the tip, so it takes piercing and scraping work that would chip a fine drop point.

How big is the Zues?
Overall length is 8.52" (216.4 mm), the blade is 3.95" (100.4 mm) at 0.25" (6.3 mm), and it weighs 189.9 g (6.70 oz) - a full-size fixed blade for belt or pack.

Is the handle steel too cold for winter use?
The handle is the same steel as the blade with machined cut-outs for grip. In freezing weather wear gloves or add a cord wrap through the cut-outs - it takes paracord well.

Damascus vs. Common Fixed Blade Steels

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
Damascus (this knife)	57-60	Good	Fair	Good	Moderate
D2 Tool Steel	58-61	Very Good	Fair	Good	Moderate
154CM	58-61	Good	Good	Very Good	Moderate
CPM-S35VN	58-60	Very Good	Very Good	Better	Moderate
14C28N	59-61	Good	Excellent	Good	Very Easy
High-Carbon Pattern-Welded (import)	55-58	Fair	Poor	Good	Easy

Damascus on the G021A4 is a layered pattern-welded steel: alternating bands folded and forged together, then etched so the layers show. Buy it for the look and the story - no two blades carry the same pattern - and treat the edge like good carbon steel: wipe it dry, oil it monthly, and do not leave it in a damp sheath. Expect edge retention around a good carbon steel rather than a super steel, and sharpen on a fine stone keeping the bevel angle consistent so the pattern stays even up to the apex. HRC figures are typical mill ranges, not a guarantee for any single blade.

Glossary of Key Terms

Tenable Knives
A US knife brand working with independent designers to deliver mid-to-premium production folders, fixed blades and machined builds.

Zues
Tenable's D2 fixed blade designed by Frank Grissom: a 3.95 inch tanto on 6.3 mm stock, 189.9 g overall, shipped with a Kydex sheath.

Frank Grissom
The knife maker and designer behind the Zues, known for aggressive fixed-blade geometry with angular grinds and integrated cut-outs.

D2 Tool Steel
A high-carbon, high-chromium semi-stainless tool steel at 58-61 HRC. Outstanding wear resistance for the money; wipe it dry and oil it occasionally.

Damascus
Pattern-welded steel made from alternating layers forged and etched to reveal the banding. Every blade's pattern is unique; treat the edge like good carbon steel.

Tanto Blade
A blade with a straight front edge meeting the belly at a hard angular break. It puts strength right behind the tip for piercing and scraping.

Flat Grind
Blade flats that taper in a straight line from spine to edge. It slices better than a hollow grind and leaves more steel directly behind the apex.

Kydex Sheath
A thermoformed plastic sheath with adjustable retention. It locks the knife in place, sheds water and can be re-formed with a heat gun.

6.3 mm Blade Stock
The thickness of the blade. Enough spine to baton kindling edges and take real lateral load without flexing.

Full Tang
The blade steel runs the full length and width of the handle, so there is no joint to fail under hard use.

Rose Gold Finish
A PVD-style coating in warm copper tones. It wears bright at the edge with use and pairs the blade with the match-anodized handle.

8.52 Inch Overall
The total length of the knife. At 8.52 inches the Zues is a full-size belt knife - trail, camp and truck duty.

Who Should Buy the Zues G021A4

• Fixed-blade users who want D2 or Damascus on a full-tang build.
• Buyers who want a Kydex sheath included at a working price.
• Fans of Frank Grissom's angular, cut-out fixed blade designs.
• Campers and trail users who want a tanto for scraping and piercing.
• Collectors chasing the unique banding of layered Damascus.

Who Should Skip It

• Anyone who will not oil carbon-family steel; it will speckle if stored damp.
• Users who want a lightweight neck knife - 190 g on 8.52 inches is a belt knife.
• Buyers who need a folding knife for pocket carry; this is a sheath knife.
• People who want stainless convenience; pick a 14C28N folder instead.
• Anyone who prys with knives; the hard tip chips under lateral load.

Care & Maintenance

• Wipe the patterned blade and handle dry after handling - Damascus shows fingerprints, and residue dulls the etch.
• Oil the whole knife lightly every four to six weeks to keep the contrast between the layers crisp.
• Do not scrub the etch with abrasive pads or metal polish; you will flatten the pattern out of the steel.
• Pull it from the Kydex sheath every couple of weeks, wipe the cavity out and let both dry - trapped moisture is Damascus's worst enemy.
• Sharpen on a fine water stone at a consistent angle; keep the stone clean so grit does not scratch the flats.
• Rinse with warm water and mild soap after acidic or salty work, then dry immediately and re-oil.
• Never pry with the tip; pattern-welded steel is a slicer, and lateral load is what chips any apex.
• Keep the bevel angle consistent when sharpening so the layered pattern stays even from heel to tip.
• Store dry and oiled, out of the sheath for long-term storage, away from humid drawers and damp pouches.