The James Brand x SITKA Anzick Review

Having worked in kitchens for several years, you become one with your chef’s knife. It’s your primary tool while prepping and cooking. Since leaving the culinary world, I still have an affinity for a high-quality knife in the kitchen, both when camping and at home. Enter The James Brand x SITKA Anzick. According to SITKA, they worked for two years with the team at The James Brand to create a knife that would last through the rigors of outdoor use.

Let’s talk steel. They’ve chosen the full tang CPM MagnaCut steel, one of the toughest and most durable metals. This steel has been making a considerable impact on the outdoor market due to its toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention. The full tang eight-inch blade adds the durability that any knife intended for rough use might need. The blade is DLC coated to improve corrosion resistance. The handle is crafted out of G10, and with the bolster area crafted with jimping, the handle holds very well, even if your hands get covered in fish oil. The return has a nice curve that holds your finger well for added stability.

I was stoked to receive this knife as I am a massive fan of The James Brand and carry the Carter daily. Their craftsmanship is always impressive, and their designs are always works of art. The Anzick is no exception. When you receive it, the packaging is incredible, and the sheath is a snap-lock Hypalon. The knife itself is one that you almost want to frame and just look at… but, hey, you need to use your gear. 

Pros

The knife works as a great all-around knife. If you want to take this out camping, you can do everything from peeling vegetables to filleting a large fish. I have used this knife for about six months, both camping and in the home, and it has performed very well. The edge held for months before I needed to have it sharpened. The handle is comfortable and, as previously mentioned, grips well even when wet or oily. When held properly, the jimping helps maintain a nice feel and doesn’t slip.

Cons

My first thought when I opened the knife was how thin the blade was, from top to bottom. Back in my kitchen days, we would call this a knuckle buster. The blade is thin enough that when you slice down, you can end up hitting your knuckles on the cutting board. But if you had a larger knife, it would’nt pack as well when traveling. This was a minimal issue, but if you have big hands, this might be an issue with extended use. 

While this knife is currently sold out, it is a solid knife, and if they do another run of them, I recommend picking one up. The price tag of $499 is a little steep, but the quality and design make that price tag worth it. This is a knife that will last you for years to come.