Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade Review

Everything I Learned from the Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade isn’t just another knife; it’s a meticulously crafted tool designed for those who appreciate the intersection of art and function. Crafted by Bastinelli Creations, this fixed blade features a distinctive design and premium materials, making it a standout piece in a crowded market. Its compact size and robust construction hint at versatility, suggesting it could be equally at home in a tactical environment or as a personal everyday carry.

I was in the market for a smaller, more concealable fixed blade that wouldn’t sacrifice cutting power or edge retention. I needed a knife that could handle everything from opening packages and food preparation to more demanding tasks like processing small game or creating feather sticks for fire starting. Several knives fit the bill on paper, but none seemed to offer the same blend of sleek design and ruggedness as the Telum.

Upon unboxing, the Telum immediately impressed with its exceptional fit and finish. The green linen micarta handle felt secure and comfortable in hand, while the black stonewash finish on the Bohler M390 steel blade gave it a distinct, almost menacing look. The included Kydex sheath, coupled with the Tracker Dan clip, provided a secure and versatile carry option.

I considered the ESEE Izula and the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter before ultimately choosing the Telum. The Izula, while a solid performer, lacked the premium steel and refined aesthetics of the Bastinelli. The Benchmade, although beautifully crafted, felt a bit too specialized for hunting purposes, and I was seeking something more versatile.

My initial impression was one of excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. Could a knife this visually striking truly perform in the field, or was it more of a showpiece? Only time and rigorous testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade came during a week-long backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The diverse terrain and unpredictable weather provided an excellent proving ground. I primarily used the Telum for food preparation, camp tasks like creating tinder, and minor trail maintenance.

The Telum performed admirably in both wet and dry conditions. The micarta handle offered a secure grip even with wet hands, and the M390 steel showed no signs of corrosion despite exposure to rain and humidity. Its size made it perfect for fine carving tasks, allowing for excellent control when creating feather sticks for fire starting.

The only minor issue I encountered was with the sheath retention initially. The knife sat very tight in the Kydex, requiring a deliberate pull to deploy it. After a few days of use, however, the sheath loosened slightly, resulting in a smoother and more natural draw.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. The blade has held its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its razor sharpness. The stonewash finish has also held up well, showing only minor scratches from regular use.

The micarta handle has retained its color and texture, showing no signs of wear or damage. The Kydex sheath has also held up well, though the Tracker Dan clip shows some minor wear marks from rubbing against my belt. Cleaning the knife is simple. I just wipe it down with a clean cloth and occasionally apply a thin coat of oil to the blade.

Compared to other fixed blades I’ve owned, the Telum stands out for its exceptional edge retention and comfortable ergonomics. It easily outperforms knives with softer steels and poorly designed handles. Its size to capability ratio is fantastic.

Breaking Down the Features of Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade

Specifications

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance.

• Overall length: 7 inches (17.78cm). This makes it compact and easily concealable.
• Blade length: 2.5 inches (6.35cm). The shorter blade ensures control and precision for detailed tasks.
• Blade material: Bohler M390 stainless steel. This is known for its exceptional edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
• Handle material: Green linen micarta. Micarta provides a durable, grippy, and comfortable handle.
• Sheath: Black Kydex with Tracker Dan clip. The Kydex sheath offers secure retention and versatile carry options.
• Weight: 1.26 lbs. While a little heavy for its size, this adds to the robust feel.
• Blade finish: Black stonewash. This provides a rugged, non-reflective finish that hides scratches well.

These specifications translate to a high-performance tool that can withstand demanding use while remaining comfortable and easy to carry. The M390 steel ensures the blade stays sharp through extended use, while the micarta handle provides a secure grip in various conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade excels at a variety of tasks. It’s a capable slicer, piercer, and all-around utility knife. The blade geometry is optimized for both cutting and piercing, making it suitable for everything from food preparation to self-defense.

The knife’s strengths lie in its edge retention, comfortable ergonomics, and secure grip. A potential weakness is its relatively short blade, which may limit its effectiveness for certain tasks that require a larger cutting surface. It certainly exceeds expectations as a compact and versatile EDC fixed blade.

Design & Ergonomics

The Telum’s design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The blade shape is aggressive yet refined, while the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Telum build quality is exceptional, with tight tolerances and meticulous attention to detail.

The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the handle ergonomics are excellent. There is minimal learning curve due to the intuitive design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade is built to last. The M390 steel is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, while the micarta handle is virtually indestructible. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Telum is simple. Regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade comes with a custom-molded Kydex sheath and a Tracker Dan clip for belt carry. While there are no official aftermarket accessories offered by Bastinelli Creations, the Kydex sheath can be easily modified or replaced with custom sheaths from other manufacturers. The Tracker Dan clip is also replaceable with other belt clips or mounting solutions. Due to the custom nature of the knife, it is not compatible with many aftermarket scales.

Pros and Cons of Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade

Who Should Buy Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade?

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade is perfect for discerning knife enthusiasts, tactical users, and anyone who appreciates a high-quality, versatile tool. It’s ideal for those who want a compact fixed blade that can handle a variety of tasks. It would be well suited for survivalists and preppers, but may be too costly for a casual camper.

Those who prioritize a larger blade or have budget constraints may want to skip this product. Potential must-have accessories include a sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge, and potentially a different carry clip if the Tracker Dan clip is not ideal.

Conclusion on Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade

The Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade is a remarkable knife that combines exceptional performance with a striking design. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the quality of materials and craftsmanship justify the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend the Telum to anyone seeking a high-end, versatile fixed blade for everyday carry or tactical use.

If you’re looking for a knife that is as beautiful as it is functional, the Bastinelli Creations Telum Fixed Blade is an excellent choice. Experience the difference a truly exceptional knife can make – add the Telum to your collection today!