The most important ingredient in a knife is its steel. DiamondBlade Knives claims its steel is the best and most balanced you can get, thanks to a unique forging process.
DiamondBlade Knives’ “Friction Forged” D2 steel supposedly has 10 times finer steel grain than traditional D2. The brand says that process makes the edges of its knives harder, thinner, and tougher. The website claims its knives “will outperform any other knife by 10 times — or better — guaranteed.”
Those are big, bold claims. But DiamondBlade Knives developed this Friction Forged technology in collaboration with Brigham Young University (BYU). It’s patented, and clearly, the brand is confident in its qualities. So when I got my hands on a DiamondBlade knife, I was immediately itching to test it. The brand calls the Friction Forging knives “Super Blades,” after all.
I got the DiamondBlade Summit Folder a year ago (October 2023). Since then, I’ve used it to field dress my first whitetail deer, cut paracord on countless camping trips, chop veggies and meats, slice tops off beer cans, split wood, and make shavings for firestarter. I even started carrying it around as an everyday carry knife.
But does its Friction Forged D2 makeup make it 10 times better than every other knife on the market? The jury is still out. While some experts have expressed doubt, I’m not saying no just yet.
In short: The DiamondBlade Knives Summit Folder ($295) sports a 3.375-inch Friction Forged D2 blade and a G10 handle. It is a full-sized folding hunting knife that holds an edge remarkably well. In months of testing and daily use I haven’t seen a single spot of rust. This knife feels good, looks good, and seems to be as high quality as its makers claim. For its price, I’m glad that’s the case.
If you’re shopping for hunting and survival knives, check out our guide to the Best Survival Knives.
- Steel: Friction Forged D2
- Blade length: 3.375"
- Knife length: 8.75" open; 5" closed
- Blade RC hardness: 65-68
- Spine RC hardness: 42-44
- Blade bevel: 16-18°
- Knife weight: 3.5 oz.
- Blade thickness: 0.118-0.120"
- Blade depth: 1" max
- Blade style: Drop point
Pros
- Extremely sharp, holds edge very well
- Easy and fast to sharpen
- Comfortable grip
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Bulky sheath
- No pocket clip
- Very expensive
‘Super Blade’ Steel: A Disclaimer
What Is Friction Forged D2 Steel?

DiamondBlade Knives Summit Folder Review


Edge Retention

Sharpening

Handling

Action & Lock
Limited Carry Options

DiamondBlade Summit Folder Price

What Does an Expert Think?
DiamondBlade Knives Summit Folder: Who Is It For?
