Pilgrim — custom knife by the SICAC 2019 winner
In just a few years, Ukrainian knifemaker Oleksii Nesterenko has gone from a talented newcomer to the recipient of the French SICAC 2019 award. The Pilgrim custom witnessed its creator's victory firsthand — it flew straight to our store from the famous Parisian knife show.
Oleksii created only 19 of these knives — and before you is Pilgrim number ten. The maker's signature touch: the serial number of the limited custom, the premium steel grade, and the name of the renowned mechanism are all engraved in a "secret place" — on the upper inner side of the frame near the pivot. This "hidden" information reveals itself gradually to the curious collector's eye as the blade is folded.
Our Pilgrim is a stylish one — its attire is masterfully tailored from elite materials: premium Swedish steel, costly zirconium, and "Arctic Storm" carbon fiber. And this "wanderer" handles its blade with impressive skill: the long cutting edge delivers a satisfying cut, while the tip, positioned close to the blade's centerline, performs beautifully under piercing loads.
The pivot houses the maker's favorite — the patented Brazilian IKBS ball-bearing mechanism. A light press on the neat flipper tab and the blade swiftly launches from the handle. The open construction is securely locked by a titanium liner lock.
The custom clip-point profile is forged from a Scandinavian metallurgical masterpiece — M390 powdered steel, originally developed for surgical instruments. This Swedish steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, holds its edge, and boasts superb strength characteristics. The blade's finish is a soft hand-rubbed satin.
The knife is crafted with immense respect for its future owner. Every detail is impeccably refined, and all components fit together flawlessly. The decoration is executed with a refined sense of palette. The main chord is struck by the tri-color carbon fiber used for the backspacer and scales. The coffee tones are echoed by the zirconium bolster and pocket clip. The blue and "marine" layers are complemented by the indigo-anodized titanium frame and hardware. The textured carbon fiber, ergonomic handle shape, and jimping on the spine ensure a secure grip on the flipper.
The Pilgrim's light weight makes it an excellent pocket companion. The elegant clip holds the custom securely and discreetly in place on fabric.
The Pilgrim isn't afraid of dirt. This is a fully capable EDC knife that can confidently be taken on fishing trips and hikes. It's equally suited for wanderings among the neon lights of the metropolis.
