The James Brand Barnes Solidwool Knife
The Barnes has been one of The James Brand's most impressive knives since it launched in 2021 as their first integral folder. The Solidwool edition takes the same platform and adds a handle material that has no business being on a knife, and that is precisely why it works.
The inserts on the presentation side and along the spine are made from Solidwool, a UK produced composite of 50 percent wool and 50 percent bio resin. No petroleum, no plastic, no synthetic fibres. It is as strong and stable as traditional composites but entirely bio-based. Because wool fibres are naturally irregular, no two inserts are identical. Each knife has its own texture and pattern, which gives a limited edition of 24 units an additional layer of individuality that most special releases can't claim.
The knife underneath the inserts doesn't need help standing out. The handle is machined from a single piece of solid billet titanium, the defining characteristic of an integral design. No screws holding scales together, no joints, no seams. Just one unbroken piece of metal that delivers the rigidity, weight savings, and clean lines the format is known for. The frame lock is built directly into that same titanium body.
The blade is Bohler M390 super steel, one of the best performing steels available for edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. A 3.5 inch drop point on a 7.8 inch overall length at 4.6 ounces. Ceramic ball bearing pivot for smooth deployment. A low profile pocket clip and a removable paracord lanyard round out the carry options.
Twenty four units. $799. Once they sell through, the Solidwool material likely won't appear on a knife again anytime soon.
