This is not a review. This is a story of transformation. This is a story about how the design and function of one knife evolved to provide a better all around tool. This, is the story of the 1095 Tumbled Series from Hazen Knives.
On Performance and Design…
Our 1095 Bush Mate arrived at the Gumption Gear Review HQ as a perfectly functional explorer/bushcrafter blade. The rugged design featured 4.56 inches (11.43 cm) of cutting power in a 9.5 inch (24.13 cm) overall package. Its thick black powder coating with rugged handle gave the blade a tactical aesthetic and uniquely identifiable look that we admired. Through a season of testing, we tortured this knife in the backcountry of the Sierra. From day hikes to multi-day backpacking excursions, this was the blade that rode confidently on our hip each and every time.
When you spend that much time with a knife, there’s an array of lessons that you learn. As noted, we loved the powder coating which provided a layer of protection for the carbon blade. In addition to protecting the steel from the elements, it simply gave the Bush Mate an undeniable visual appeal. However, it also presented a few drawbacks in performance.
The thick coating dimmed the fine slicing capabilities (usually a Hazen hallmark) of the blade. Moreover, due to the fact that the entire blade was coated, any significant contouring of the handle would have resulted in grinding off the powder coating. As such, the Bush Mate lacked the expertly contoured stylings for which Hazen Knives are known.
Then in the midst of our evaluation period, we were contacted by our friends at Hazen Knives and informed that the 1095 was changing. An evolution of the design was taking place. The Bush Mate was being phased out, and the 1095 Tumbled Series was being ushered in. Part of Hazen’s newest series of High Carbon 1095 Steel knives with a tumbled steel finish, this series offers beautiful craftsmanship and worthy performance that beckons you to push farther into the great outdoors.
Offered in four different sizes, each featuring a Kydex sheath, the Tumbled Series is forged from 1095 carbon steel which will retain a sharp edge, task after daunting task. At first glance, the slender handle makes it all to easy to believe the optical illusion which seems to make the overall knife appear smaller than it actually is.
But make no mistake, handcrafted from a bar of steel and full tang strong, our large model measured in at a meaty 9 1/2″overall with a blade length of 4 1/2″. At that size, this version of the 1095 Tumbled Series rivals the larger knives featured in our bushcraft round up. In other words, it’s no shrinking violet. This blade artfully walks the line between a rugged outdoors style with decorative touches that make it stand out from a sea of field ready offerings.
As with many Hazen Knives, the 1095 Tumbled Series features a hollow ground blade. If you’re not familiar with the “hollow grind” all you need to know is that it’s the same grind found on straight razors and the Legendary American Bowie Knife. It offers the benefit of a wicked sharp edge that has a long history of use in the hunting community because the thin sharp edge is great for field dressing animals.
And while these knives slice like a ninja, the standout feature of this series is undoubtedly the contoured G-10 handle. Unlike anything we’ve seen on the market, the elegant and sturdy handle stands as a virtual piece of art that rides confidently in the hand for long days of heavy work. A deep finger guard on the larger knife gives greater control of the blade while also protecting those precious digits.
Because the Tumbled Series is crafted from 1095 High Carbon Steel, the one drawback is that the steel will patina if wet for an extended period of time. As such, each knife is wiped down with a high quality gun oil before leaving the factory. Along with the good people at Hazen Knives, we strongly recommend that you continue using gun oil in order to maintain the best finish for the life of the product.
Bottom Line…
At a time when everyone seems to be going with the flow, the artistic flare and detailed performance of the 1095 Tumbled Series decidedly heads upstream. Poised at the intersection of performance and art, the 1095 Tumbled Series of Knives offers something completely unique, and totally affordable in the world of knives.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from Hazen Knives at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.