Herucus Blomerus HB18 Phiri “Hyena” – Hand-Engraved Koi by Ilze du Plessis – Zircuti & Damasteel

The Apex of Metal Artistry: The Blomerus HB18 “Hyena”

Sourced direct from the knifemaker at Blade Show Texas 2026, the Herucus Blomerus HB18 Phiri, nicknamed the “Hyena,” is a transcendent example of functional art. While many custom knives focus on materials alone, this HB18 prioritizes the human element of craft. Every component is perfectly fitted by hand using proprietary engineering jigs developed over Herucus’ 32-year career. The result is an aesthetic flow and a “smooth action” that has become the gold standard within the Knife Makers Guild of South Africa.

Museum-Grade Collaboration: Ilze du Plessis Engraving

The centerpiece of this build is the extraordinary hand-engraving by Ilze du Plessis. The handle features a Zirconium Koi Fish, meticulously sculpted and engraved to provide a three-dimensional, lifelike texture. The scales, fins, and organic movement of the Koi are rendered with such fine-line precision that the metal appears to breathe. This engraving is set against Zircuti bolsters—a high-voltage fusion of Zirconium and Titanium—creating a kaleidoscopic backdrop that highlights the mastery of the fine-art detail.

Unrivaled Build Quality and Materials

The mechanical integrity of the Herucus Blomerus Custom Knives HB18 Phiri is as impressive as its ornamentation.

• The Action: Known for a deployment that defines the quality of his work, the HB18 runs on a precision-tuned pivot, delivering a glass-smooth feel.

• The Blade: A high-contrast canvas of Damasteel Sweden, providing a durable and visually stunning edge that complements the handle’s complexity.

• The Frame: Hand-fitted Zircuti and Zirconium components, ensuring zero-tolerance transitions and a weight that feels substantial yet perfectly balanced in the hand.

A Legacy Piece for the Serious Collector

Herucus Blomerus has been a staple of the international knife community since 2000, regularly exhibiting at major global shows and featuring in Blade’s KNIVES magazine. This “Hyena” is not just a tool; it is a collaborative masterpiece that marks the exact point where innovative engineering meets high-concept fine art. For the collector seeking a cornerstone of South African craftsmanship, this is a definitive acquisition.

Specifications:

Maker: Herucus Blomerus (South Africa)

Fine Art Engraver: Ilze du Plessis

Model: HB18 Phiri (Hyena)

Condition: New (Direct from Maker – Blade Show Texas 2026)

Engraving Motif: Hand-Sculpted Zirconium Koi Fish by Ilze du Plessis

Bolster Material: Kaleidoscopic Zircuti (Zirconium and Titanium Fusion)

Blade Material: High-Contrast Damasteel Sweden

Pivot and Hardware: Precision-Machined Zirconium

Build Quality: Hand-Fitted Zero-Tolerance Construction via Engineering Jigs

Action: Legendary Blomerus Smooth Action on Pivot Bearings

Overall Length: 8.00 inches

Blade Length: 3.25 inches

Weight: 6.2 oz.

Origin: South Africa

Video Showcase: The Blomerus HB18 Phiri Masterpiece

Witness the “Cut Above the Rest” philosophy in motion. This featured video explores the Herucus Blomerus HB18 Phiri Hyena, a 1-of-1 masterpiece that defines the pinnacle of South African functional art.

In This Exclusive Preview:

• The Damasteel Canvas: A detailed study of the Damasteel Sweden blade, highlighting the high-contrast lamination and technical distal taper.

• Kaleidoscopic Zircuti: A visual exploration of the Zircuti bolsters, showcasing the multi-tonal light refraction and grain structure.

• The Koi Engraving: Extreme macro footage of the Zirconium Koi Fish, hand-sculpted by Ilze du Plessis to demonstrate museum-grade engraving depth.

• Legendary Smooth Action: A demonstration of the Blomerus pivot, showcasing the snappy deployment and bank-vault lockup achieved through custom engineering jigs.

• Aesthetic Flow: A study of the “Hyena” profile, where every hand-fitted component contributes to a unified work of metal artistry.

View any of the Herucus Blomerus Custom Knives that we currently have in stock by visiting the knifemakers brand page. Are you interested in selling some or all of your knife collection, or do you know someone that’s ready to turn their knife collecting into cash? Learn more about our process and how and what we buy.