An in-depth, hands-on review of the YOUSUNLONG CuMai Damascus knife, focusing on real-world performance during a day hike in California’s redwood forest.
After a full day of carrying and using the YOUSUNLONG CuMai Damascus folding knife on the trails of Muir Woods, I can summarize my experience this way: it is a high-performance cutting tool that delivers on both functionality and its unique aesthetic. The combination of a legitimate CuMai Damascus blade and a lightweight G10 handle makes for an excellent hiking companion. Its primary strengths are its exceptional cutting ability, comfortable ergonomics, and surprisingly low carry weight. The visual design is undeniably bold and will be a major draw for many, though users seeking a more traditional or understated look should take note. It’s a knife that performs as interestingly as it looks.
SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE
A good review starts with objective data. Here’s what we’re working with:
- Model: YOUSUNLONG Folding Knife
- Blade Steel: CuMai Damascus Construction (High-Carbon Steel Cutting Core with Damascus/Copper Laminate)
- Handle Material: Machined Mixed-Color G10 Composite
- Overall Length: Approx. 7.½ inches (19 cm)
- Blade Length: Approx. 3.⅓ inches (8.5 cm)
- Weight: 3.68 oz (104 g)
- Locking Mechanism: Steel Liner Lock
- Pivot System: Ball Bearings
DESIGN & AESTHETICS: A BALANCED VIEW
Let’s address the most obvious feature first: the appearance. This knife is visually striking.
- The Handle: The multicolor G10 handle is expertly machined. The layers of color are integrated seamlessly, and the contouring is both comfortable and visually appealing. There are no sharp edges or hotspots from the machining process. This bold color-way is a deliberate design choice that sets it apart from a sea of black or earth-toned knives. While its “fashion-forward” look will be a significant selling point for many, it is equally a matter of personal taste. If you prefer your gear to be low-profile, this specific handle variant might be too loud. However, the quality of the execution itself is excellent.
- The Blade: The CuMai Damascus blade is the heart of this knife’s appeal. The pattern is intricate, and the inlaid copper layer provides a beautiful, warm contrast to the cool tones of the steel. In the filtered light of the Muir Woods canopy, the copper caught the light subtly, a detail you appreciate more upon closer inspection. It’s worth noting that copper, as a material, will naturally patina (darken) over time with exposure to air and moisture. Some users, myself included, see this as a positive trait that adds character. Others may prefer to keep it polished. This is not a flaw, but a characteristic of the material to be aware of.
ERGONOMICS & IN-HAND FEEL
Looks are subjective, but ergonomics are tangible. This is where the knife truly began to impress me.
The handle, despite its slender profile, fills the hand surprisingly well. The gentle swell in the middle provides a solid purchase, and my fingers fell naturally into place. The G10 material has a fine-textured, grippy surface that provided a secure hold, even when my hands were slightly damp. This is crucial for safe and confident use in an outdoor setting.
The balance is excellent, with the point of balance located just behind the pivot, making the knife feel nimble and easy to control. The jimping (textured grooves) on the blade’s spine is functional without being overly aggressive, offering a perfect spot for my thumb to rest and apply controlled pressure during a cut. The liner lock is also easy to access and disengage with one hand, and the lockup itself was solid, with absolutely no vertical or horizontal blade play detected.
A PRACTICAL FIELD TEST IN MUIR WOODS
I carried and used the knife throughout a 5-mile hike on the Fern Creek and Canopy View trails.
Portability and Carry: For a hiking knife, how it carries is just as important as how it cuts. The YOUSUNLONG’s relatively light weight of 3.68 oz was a significant advantage. It sat comfortably in my pocket, and after a few minutes, I honestly forgot it was there. The deep-carry pocket clip has good tension—strong enough to be secure, but not so strong that it’s difficult to draw. Its slim profile means it doesn’t print or create a bulky spot in your pocket, a huge plus when you’re active.
Cutting Performance: During a lunch break near Redwood Creek, I used the knife for its intended purpose.
- Apple Slicing: I chose a firm apple to test the blade geometry. The blade has a full flat grind, which allows it to move through material with very little resistance. It sliced through the apple cleanly and effortlessly. Importantly, the blade is thin enough behind the edge that it didn’t “split” the apple apart as some thicker blades do. It was a pure, clean slice.
- Bread Slicing: I used it on a loaf of dense sourdough bread. This is a good test of edge sharpness on a tough crust. The blade bit into the crust immediately and sliced through without requiring excessive downward pressure, which can crush the soft interior. The 3.5-inch blade provided enough length to make a clean, single pass through the slice.
The knife performed these simple, real-world tasks flawlessly. The factory edge was impressively sharp and held up perfectly after these uses.
PROS & CONS SUMMARY
No piece of gear is perfect for everyone. Here is my honest breakdown:
Pros:
- Excellent Cutting Performance: The thin, flat-ground CuMai blade is a fantastic slicer.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: The handle is well-shaped and the G10 provides great traction.
- Lightweight for its Size: Ideal for hiking, backpacking, and everyday carry where weight matters.
- Unique, High-Quality Aesthetics: A true conversation starter made with premium materials.
- Smooth & Reliable Action: The ball-bearing pivot and solid liner lock are well-executed.
Cons:
- Bold Visual Style: The handle’s multicolor design is a matter of personal preference and may not appeal to users seeking an understated tool.
- Copper Patina: The copper layer will naturally change color over time, which requires either acceptance or active polishing to maintain its original luster.
CONCLUSION: WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THIS KNIFE?
The YOUSUNLONG CuMai Damascus G10 folding knife is a genuinely capable and well-made tool. It successfully blends artistic design with practical, real-world functionality.
I would recommend this knife to:
- The Outdoor Enthusiast who values both performance and design. If you are hiking or camping and need a reliable cutting tool, but also appreciate carrying something beautiful and unique, this is an excellent choice.
- The EDC User looking for a “statement piece.” If you want a knife for daily tasks that stands out from the crowd and reflects a bold personal style, this knife fits the bill perfectly.
- The Collector or Gift-Giver. The unique materials and quality construction make it a worthy addition to a collection or a very memorable and impressive gift.
For those who prioritize function but are not drawn to the vibrant aesthetics, YOUSUNLONG may offer other models with more subdued handle materials. But for what this particular model sets out to do—to be a bold, beautiful, and highly effective cutting tool—it succeeds on all fronts.