A Modern Classic: A Hands-On First Look at the YOUSUNLONG Rosewood Damascus Folding Knife

This new release from YOUSUNLONG blends timeless materials with a full-sized, practical design. We take a detailed look at this premium drop point folder to see if its performance matches its aesthetics.

THE BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT (BLUF)

The new YOUSUNLONG Damascus folder with a Rosewood handle and stonewashed bolster is, in simple terms, a substantial and beautifully crafted tool. It’s a knife that leans heavily into a “modern classic” aesthetic, pairing the organic warmth of wood with the rugged, practical finish of stonewashed steel. At 158g (5.57 oz), this is not an ultralight minimalist knife. Instead, it offers a reassuring heft and a full, comfortable grip that inspires confidence for full-sized cutting tasks. The 94mm drop point blade is a versatile all-rounder, and the overall fit and finish are excellent for its category. This is a knife for the user who appreciates timeless materials and wants a capable, full-sized EDC that feels solid and durable in hand.

CORE SPECIFICATIONS: THE TALE OF THE TAPE

Before we get to the subjective experience, let’s establish the objective data. The specs define the knife’s class and intended use.

• Model: YOUSUNLONG Premium Damascus Folder (Rosewood/Stonewashed)
• Overall Length: 213mm / 8.39 inches
• Blade Length: 94mm / 3.70 inches
• Handle Length: 119mm / 4.68 inches
• Weight: 158g / 5.57 ounces
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Material: Premium Pattern-Welded Damascus Steel
• Handle Materials: Natural Rosewood Scales, Gray Stonewashed Stainless Steel Bolsters
• Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock (assumed, typical for this construction)
• Pivot System: Ball Bearing (assumed, for smooth action)

This is a full-sized folding knife. The 3.7-inch blade is highly capable for a wide range of tasks, and the 4.68-inch handle promises a full grip for nearly all hand sizes. The most telling spec, however, is the weight. At 5.57 ounces, it’s a deliberate choice—this knife prioritizes a solid build over being lightweight.

A DEEP DIVE: MATERIALS AND FIT & FINISH

The story of this knife is its materials. The design is a study in contrasting textures and timeless appeal.

• The Handle: Rosewood & Stonewashed Steel This is the knife’s main aesthetic draw. The handle is not just one material but a classic combination. The Natural Rosewood scales are beautiful. The grain on my review unit is rich and deep, with a dark, reddish-brown hue. It’s been smoothly finished and polished, feeling warm and organic in the hand. This is a significant contrast to the cold, sterile feel of many modern synthetic or full-metal handles.This wood is paired with Gray Stonewashed Stainless Steel Bolsters. This, in my opinion, is an excellent practical decision. Polished bolsters on a “gentleman’s knife” are notorious for collecting fingerprints and fine scratches almost immediately. By opting for a stonewashed finish, YOUSUNLONG has created a knife that is meant to be used. The finish effectively hides the small scuffs and trails of daily carry, keeping the knife looking ruggedly handsome rather than delicately pristine. The transition between the wood scale and the steel bolster is smooth and flush, indicating a high level of quality control.
• The Blade: Premium Damascus Drop Point The blade is a 94mm (3.7-inch) Drop Point, arguably the most versatile and functional blade shape available. It features a long, continuous slicing “belly” and a strong, easily controllable tip. This shape is a true jack-of-all-trades, excelling at everything from food prep to utility cuts.The Premium Damascus Steel itself has an intricate, tight pattern. It’s not a loud, high-contrast acid etch but a more subtle, sophisticated pattern that reveals its complexity upon closer inspection. Beyond its looks, Damascus (when made properly with a high-carbon core) provides a good blend of edge retention and toughness. The factory edge on this knife was impressively sharp, coming to a clean, polished finish that bodes well for its slicing performance.

ERGONOMICS AND IN-HAND FEEL

This is where the knife’s full-sized specifications truly pay off.

The 119mm (4.68-inch) handle is a dream for users who find smaller EDCs to be cramped. I have medium-to-large hands, and I was able to get a full, secure, four-finger grip with room to spare. The handle’s gentle curve fits the palm naturally, and the balance of the knife is centered almost perfectly at the pivot.

The 158g weight is very noticeable here. This is not a “con”—it’s a feature. The knife feels substantial and incredibly solid. There is zero flex, rattle, or sense of fragility. When you hold it, the heft provides a sense of confidence; it feels like a durable tool capable of real work, not just opening letters. If you are someone who describes your ideal knife as “built like a tank,” you will appreciate the solid steel liners, thick bolsters, and dense hardwood scales.

The action, presumably on ball bearings, is very smooth. The blade deploys with a firm push on the flipper (or thumb stud, if present) and locks into place with a positive, secure “thwack” from the liner lock.

REAL-WORLD CARRY AND PERFORMANCE

This is the central question for any EDC knife: how does it actually live with you?

• EDC Portability: Let’s be direct: at 5.57 ounces, this is a heavy knife for modern EDC standards. You will not forget it’s in your pocket. It is not a “gym shorts” or “slacks” knife. This is a knife for jeans, work pants, or the pocket of a sturdy jacket.However, for those of us who regularly carry full-sized tools, the weight is manageable and becomes familiar. The pocket clip is strong and provides good retention. While it’s heavy, its profile is relatively slim for its build. The takeaway on portability is this: if you are an ultralight carry enthusiast, this is not the knife for you. If you are a user who prioritizes a full grip and a solid feel over low weight, you will find the trade-off to be more than acceptable.
• Cutting Performance: I used the knife for a few simple tasks to get a feel for its blade geometry.
  1. Apple Slicing: This is a good test for blade thickness. The drop point, with its high flat grind, performed well. It sliced cleanly through the apple with minimal “wedging” or splitting. The long, curved belly made it easy to rock the blade through the cut.
  2. Bread Slicing: I used it on a crusty sourdough roll. The 3.7-inch blade had no trouble handling the task, and the sharp edge cut the crust without tearing. The long belly was, again, perfect for this kind of slicing motion.
  3. Cardboard/Utility: The strong drop point tip was excellent for piercing cardboard, and the blade’s edge held up well after breaking down several boxes. The comfortable, full-grip handle was a huge asset here, preventing hand fatigue during tougher cuts.

PROS & CONS SUMMARY

After a weekend of handling and light use, here’s my balanced breakdown:

Pros:

• Excellent Ergonomics: The 119mm handle provides a full, comfortable grip for almost all users.
• Premium “Modern Classic” Materials: The Rosewood and stonewashed steel combination is both beautiful and practical.
• Versatile Blade Shape: The 3.7-inch drop point is a capable all-rounder for a huge variety of tasks.
• Solid, Confidence-Inspiring Build: The knife’s weight and robust construction make it feel incredibly durable.
• High-Quality Fit and Finish: Smooth materials, no sharp edges, and a tight, solid lockup.

Cons:

• Significant Weight: At 158g (5.57 oz), it is too heavy for many people’s everyday carry preferences.
• Natural Material Care: Rosewood is a durable hardwood, but it will require occasional oiling to maintain its luster and prevent it from drying out over time.
• Not a “Fidget” Knife: While the action is smooth, the overall character is more of a deliberate, solid tool than a lightweight, “flickable” fidget toy.

CONCLUSION: WHO IS THIS KNIFE FOR?

The new YOUSUNLONG Rosewood Damascus folder is not trying to be the lightest, thinnest, or most tactical knife on the market. It succeeds by focusing on a different set of priorities.

This knife is an excellent choice for:

• The User Who Appreciates Classic Materials: If you love the feel of wood and steel over G10 and titanium, this knife is for you.
• The “Full-Sized EDC” Advocate: If you believe a pocket knife should be a substantial tool with a full, comfortable grip, this knife’s specs will be all positives.
• The “Gentleman’s Work Knife” Seeker: It’s beautiful enough to be a “gentleman’s folder” but built strong enough for real work, thanks to the stonewashed bolsters and robust frame.
• A Great Gift: The combination of premium materials (Damascus, Rosewood) makes it an extremely impressive and high-value gift.

In summary, YOUSUNLONG has delivered a solid, well-crafted, and beautiful knife for those who aren’t counting every gram. It’s a reassuring, capable, and classic tool designed for the long haul.