Heretic Custom Koschei, Chad Nichols Wavepool Damascus in DLC, Flamed Titanium Chassis, Crossbar Lock - Made in USA (NYCKS26-001)

A New York Custom Knife Show custom Koschei, serial number 022. Chad Nichols Wavepool Damascus finished in DLC over a flamed titanium chassis.

This is not a production Koschei. Heretic built it as a one off custom for the New York Custom Knife Show, and it came home with us from the show. The blade is Chad Nichols Wavepool Damascus taken all the way to DLC, so the pattern reads dark against a chassis that has been flamed to bring out color in the titanium. Hardware is DLC throughout and the clip is rock ground DLC titanium.

The box is signed by Tony Marfione, and a Heretic sticker signed by Tony Marfione comes with it.

Specifications

• Model: Koschei, New York Custom Knife Show 2026 Custom
• SKU: NYCKS26-001
• Serial Number: 022
• Blade Steel: Chad Nichols Wavepool Damascus
• Blade Finish: DLC
• Chassis: Flamed titanium
• Hardware: DLC
• Clip: Rock ground titanium, DLC
• Lock: Crossbar lock
• Deployment: Manual, ambidextrous
• Includes: Box signed by Tony Marfione, signed Heretic sticker
• Country of Origin: Made in USA (Melbourne, Florida)

Damascus Under DLC

Putting DLC over Damascus is a gamble that does not always pay off, because the coating can flatten a pattern. Wavepool survives it. The pattern is deep enough that the black finish turns it into shadow and light instead of erasing it, and it stops the blade from competing with the chassis.

The Flamed Titanium

Flaming is done with heat rather than dye or coating. The color comes from an oxide layer that forms on the surface, so it runs through the part instead of sitting on top of it, and no two pieces come out identical. Against a fully blacked out blade and black hardware, the chassis is the only color on the knife.

The Koschei Platform

Underneath the custom work it is still the Koschei, Heretic's fastest moving knife this year. Crossbar lock, works with either hand, and an action that is hard to put down.

Why This One Stands Out

Chad Nichols Damascus, DLC, and flamed titanium on a serialized custom Koschei that was built for one show. There is no second one of these.

We Toured the Shop

The Great American Knife Tour™ visited Heretic Knives and did a full shop tour.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsyB9brPE-U

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