Mantis “Odin” is an interpretation of Norse myth cast in the form of a collector’s knife with remarkable expressive power. In this edition, the model’s distinctive, slender silhouette is paired with engraving by Monika Kalla, who gives the piece an unusually evocative, almost monumental presence. This is not decoration treated merely as an ornament — it is a coherent visual narrative unfolding across the titanium handles, creating an atmosphere worthy of Odin’s name.
The handle features the image of the supreme god of Norse mythology, portrayed with the dignity, severity, and calm associated with ancient legends. He is accompanied by clearly defined motifs of ravens, ornamental interlacing, and symbolism that recalls the world of Viking sagas. Every engraved line has been executed with great sensitivity — from the deeper, darker passages that shape the expression of the face to the lighter surfaces and fine details that bring the composition to life and give it noble depth. It is precisely at close range that the full mastery of this work reveals itself.
The decoration does not end with a single part of the knife. The motif has been carried throughout the piece so that it presents itself consistently and harmoniously from every angle. As a result, “Odin” retains the character of a fully realized art knife — refined not only in its central theme, but also in the details that define its class. Completing the composition is a Damascus blade whose bold, flowing pattern works beautifully with the richness of the engraving. The steel’s pattern brings rhythm and movement, while also underscoring the noble, collector-oriented character of the piece.
From a practical standpoint, this remains a true Mantis — a model valued for its secure grip, smooth action, and the precision of craftsmanship for which Herman Knives is known. Here, however, functionality meets narrative and symbolism, creating an object with a far deeper presence. “Odin” does not merely catch the eye — it stays in the memory.
This is a proposition for the collector who seeks more than flawless mechanics and premium materials alone. Herman Knives Mantis “Odin” is a knife of strong identity — noble, powerful in expression, and finished with an elegance that needs no excess to leave an impression.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Model: Mantis
Version: Right-handed
Blade steel: Damasteel Odin's Eye powder stainless steel,
thickness 3,6 mm (0.1417"), heat treated with a deep crio (liquid nitrogen) hardness 61 HRC, Medium detent,
Type of blade grind: Flat grind
Blade finish: Mirror polished
Handle: Titanium Grade 5 ( Engraved by Monika Kalla )
Inlay: None
Clip: Titanium Grade 5 ( Engraved by Monika Kalla )
Backspacer : Titanium Grade 5 ( Engraved by Monika Kalla )
Pivot: 440C stainless steel - Polished
Screws:440C stainless steel - Polished
Lock: Titanium Grade 5
Bearing system: Custom-made ceramic caged ball bearings by Herman Knives
New improved bearing system.
Washers made of M390 powder metallurgy steel further enhance the already exceptional operation of our knives. Every stage of production has been optimized to ensure even greater precision, durability, and, most importantly, the smoothness of our knives.
Washer manufacturing process:
M390 steel is machined in-house on our Swiss-type lathe Citizen Cincom A20, where the bar stock is processed and pre-drilled.
Washer dimensions: Inner diameter 5.05 mm, outer diameter 11.95 mm; (for Bee and Micro Sting models: outer diameter 9.95 mm).
25 mm-long rods undergo vacuum heat treatment to 60 HRC, reducing material stress and minimizing the risk of deeper blade scratches and ceramic ball fractures.
After hardening, washers are machined using EDM (Electro Discharge Machining) on our Mitsubishi MV1200R wire EDM machine, allowing precise inner hole execution.
They are then wire-cut into 0.6 mm-thick slices, and final wire processing minimizes surface roughness.
Final manual lapping, up to a 4000-grit finish, gives the washers an almost mirror-like surface, ensuring even smoother bearing operation.
All these processes are carried out entirely in-house by Herman Knives.
Ceramic detent ball
Tungsten carbide insert on the lock
Tungsten carbide stop pin
The custom Herman Knives pivot was fully designed and manufactured in our workshop. Built on the TORX T20 system, the construction features a newly developed thread with an increased diameter and reduced pitch, resulting in higher precision and smoother pivot adjustment. This solution minimizes the risk of play and ensures more stable settings.
The component is made of 440C stainless steel, vacuum-hardened to 56–58 HRC. The vacuum hardening process guarantees a uniform steel structure, excellent dimensional stability, and increased wear resistance. Thanks to this, the pivot offers long-lasting durability and retains its properties even under intensive use.
The screws are made of vacuum-hardened stainless steel. All three components are produced in-house by Herman Knives on our Swiss-type automatic lathe.
Bearings with increased stability
Based on years of experience, the new bearings feature a caged design with 16 ceramic balls. Their well-thought-out and tested structure effectively prevents ball displacement while ensuring optimal smoothness of operation.
Simple, isn’t it?
New original box including a microfiber cloth, Pruciak Protector Glide for Herman oil, and a dedicated titanium screwdriver manufactured in-house by Herman Knives.
Weight: 139 g (4.90 oz.)
Overall Length: 220 mm (8.66 ")
Blade length: 94 mm (3.70 ")
Blade width: 28 mm (1.10 ")
Folded length: 124 mm (4.88 ")
My name is Bartosz Herman. I produce knives according to my own projects and sometimes on an individual order. I try for every one of my knives to be unique and to enjoy its owner and at the same time to be comfortable and reliable during every day work. I want to develop my skills even further so that results of my work can keep getting better and better. I invite You to watch results of my work
