Max Knives DS3 — Alain Descy 440C butterfly knife, partly serrated

Overview

The DS3 is the full-size version of the range knifemaker Alain Descy designed for Max Knives: 133 mm closed, 202 mm open, 114 g. Where the DS1 fits in one palm, the DS3 fills the whole hand, with a 92 mm drop point blade in 440C steel and handle halves cut from that same 440C. Two pivots swing them around the blade until they meet as a solid grip, shut by a latch. The series is numbered.

A partly serrated drop point

The DS3 puts two cutting zones on a single 92 mm blade. The plain section, carried by a drop point profile whose spine slopes gently down to a centred, well-supported tip, handles clean cuts and detail work. The serrated portion saws through what a plain edge tends to slide over: cordage, webbing, plant fibre, woven material. On a knife measuring 202 mm open, that covers two jobs without having to swap tools.

Technical specifications

440C steel blade, 92 mm long, drop point shape, partially serrated edge, 2.5 mm thick. Handle halves in 440C steel. Closed length 133 mm, overall open length 202 mm. Weight 114 g. Butterfly mechanism with two pivots and a closing latch. Numbered series. The DS3 is supplied with its belt clip and a length of paracord, for neck carry or keyring attachment. It is supplied without a sheath.

Care

Blade and handle halves are both 440C on this DS3: wiping the knife after use and storing it dry is what this stainless steel asks for. Run a dry cloth between the teeth of the serrated section, where cut fibres tend to stay caught. The two pivots deserve a drop of fine oil from time to time, followed by a few rotations to spread it. Finally, check the screws and the play of the latch, both of which work with every handling.

Legal notice. Age-restricted item (18+). In France this knife is a Category D item: legal to sell but reserved for adults, with age verification at checkout. Balisong (butterfly) knives are restricted or prohibited in a number of countries — Germany, Canada and several US states among them — and customs will seize the parcel. Check the law that applies where the order is delivered before purchasing.