The Dew Hara RAY Black Abalone Timascus 1 of 1 is a direct-from-maker full custom folder acquired from Dew Hara at Blade Show Atlanta 2026. This is a serious one-of-one tactical art knife from one of today’s most respected Japanese custom knifemakers.
Unlike the new Dew Hara NOAH customs in this upload group, this piece is built around the flowing RAY model. It has a different profile, a different blade material story, and a more art-forward visual rhythm. The signed Certificate of Authenticity confirms Serial Number 1 of 1, the 2026/05 DOB, and the full material configuration.
Dew Hara RAY Black Abalone Timascus 1 of 1 From Blade Show Atlanta 2026
This Dew Hara RAY Black Abalone custom stands apart through its combination of 31-layer forged VG-10 Damascus, reddish-purple polish, Timascus handle construction, and rare black abalone inlays. Because it came directly from Dew Hara at Blade Show Atlanta 2026, the provenance is especially strong.
The RAY is one of Dew Hara’s more visually fluid designs. It still carries his tactical art identity, yet it feels more sculptural than the larger NOAH platform. The handle has flowing inlay pockets, strong color movement, and a dramatic full-length profile. Meanwhile, the blade brings a layered Damascus pattern that gives the knife a completely different look from the M390 NOAH builds.
For collectors comparing Dew Hara’s newest work, this piece deserves its own search focus. The strongest angle here is not DLC or Cosmic Storm titanium. Instead, this listing should emphasize black abalone, Timascus, VG-10 Damascus, reddish-purple polish, and Serial Number 1 of 1 status.
31-Layer Forged VG-10 Damascus With Black Abalone Inlay
The blade is made from 31-layer forged VG-10 Damascus and finished with a reddish-purple polish. The layered blade pattern gives the RAY a soft, wave-like visual movement. However, the angular blade profile keeps the knife tied to Dew Hara’s modern tactical design language.
A long black abalone inlay is set into the blade. This detail is one of the defining features of the knife. The abalone shows deep color movement, shifting through green, violet, blue, pink, and darker shell tones depending on the light.
That material contrast matters. Damascus gives the blade texture and depth. The abalone adds natural luminosity. Together, they turn the blade into a major focal point without making the knife feel disconnected from the handle.
Timascus Handle With Black Abalone Inlays
The handle is built from Timascus with black abalone inlays, creating one of the most visually complex Dew Hara customs in this current group. The Timascus shows vivid blue, purple, bronze, and darker patterned movement. In addition, the black abalone adds a brighter organic contrast inside the sculpted inlay windows.
Dew also carried the premium material story through the rear of the knife. The backbar is Timascus, while the pocket clip is titanium. The pivot and screws are finished in a reddish-purple tone, which ties the hardware back to the blade polish.
Inside, the COA lists 420 stainless liners. That documented construction detail adds another layer of confidence for collectors who want complete material clarity.
Dew Hara, Tactical Art, and the RAY Design Language
Dew Hara grew up in Seki, Japan, surrounded by elite knifemaking. As the son and protégé of Master Koji Hara, he spent decades learning the precision and finishing discipline associated with Japanese art knives.
Later, Dew trained under Anthony Marfione of Microtech Knives. That experience helped shape his interest in robust tactical folders, advanced machining, and modern mechanical design. As a result, Dew Hara’s best pieces often feel like functional sculpture.
The RAY model leans into that art-knife side of his work. It uses flowing lines, exotic materials, layered steel, and dramatic color. At the same time, it remains a full custom folder with the mechanical seriousness collectors expect from Dew Hara.
One-of-One Collector Appeal
This knife checks the major collector boxes: direct Blade Show Atlanta 2026 provenance, Serial Number 1 of 1 status, signed COA, black abalone inlays, Timascus construction, and 31-layer forged VG-10 Damascus. It is also extra special because of the quality of the black abalone, which gives the knife rare natural color and strong visual depth.
Specifications:
- Maker: Dew Hara
- Model: RAY
- Authorship: Full Custom / Direct From Maker
- Serial Number: 1 of 1
- Provenance: Direct from Dew Hara at Blade Show Atlanta 2026
- DOB: 2026/05
- Knife Type: Custom Folding Knife
- Blade Material: 31-Layer Forged VG-10 Damascus
- Blade Finish: Reddish-Purple Polish
- Blade Inlay: Black Abalone
- Blade Length: 3.81″
- Overall Length: 8.50″
- Handle Material: Timascus
- Handle Inlay: Black Abalone
- Liner Material: 420 Stainless Steel
- Backbar / Backspacer: Timascus
- Pocket Clip: Titanium
- Pivot and Screws: Reddish-Purple Finish
- Includes: Signed Certificate of Authenticity and Dew Hara presentation materials shown
Video Introduction: Hara Custom Ray
This Dew Hara RAY Black Abalone Timascus 1 of 1 is a direct-from-maker full custom folder acquired at Blade Show Atlanta 2026. It features a 31-layer forged VG-10 Damascus blade with reddish-purple polish, black abalone blade inlay, Timascus handle with black abalone inlays, 420 stainless liners, Timascus backbar, titanium pocket clip, signed COA, and Serial Number 1 of 1 status.
Collectors seeking other sole-authorship pieces can find more like this one on the Dew Hara Custom Knives Brand Page, then browse Direct from Maker for other show-acquired custom knives. For broader buying context, Knife Knowledge offers helpful articles on materials, condition, provenance, and collector value. Collectors considering a sale can also review Sell Your Knife Collection and What We Buy to see how We Buy Knife Collections evaluates rarity, documentation, condition, and market demand.
We Buy Knife Collections is proud to support the American Knife & Tool Institute and its work for knife owners, knife makers, and the future of the knife industry through AKTI Premier Membership: https://www.akti.org/?s=we+buy+knife+collections
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