Melee Weapons

Knives, Tomahawks, Machetes, Kukris, Parangs

In truth, close to all knives will have the same stats.  Thus, knives will tend to have the same stats ad nauseum.  Can’t be helped, if, as some people have emailed me, want more delineated knives.

5.11 Tactical CUB Master 2.0

     Notes: Designed in collaboration with Steve Tarani, there are two CUB Masters: one with a 5.72-centimeter blade and one with an 8.13-centimeter blade.  Both have an ergonomic G10-surface handle with a reversible belt clip that fits well in a forward and reverse grip.  There is a large finger ring at the end of the handle; most karambits have this for stabilization of hold.  Due to a collaboration with Emerson Knives, it has the Wave shape to its blade that makes draws and sheathing much faster.  The blade is of CPM-S30V Crucible Steel, making it tough, and the blade is ground to a razor’s edge like most karambits.  The CUB Master 2.0 was designed for the rigors of special operations use, and has seen some use with them.  The CUB Master 2.0 is a folder, with a positive snap-open/lock-open feature, and the handle is designed for a sure grip even in a wet, slippery, or bloody hand.

Abraham & Moses Goodman Special Operations Combat Knife (GSOCK)

     Notes: The Goodman Special Operations Combat Knife is a long, relatively heavy dagger-type knife designed by Lou Goodman, a longtime SOF soldier and master knifemaker.  Abraham & Moses worked with Goodman to bring this knife to life.  The blade and tang are made from Carpenter Technologies PD1 stainless steel, a type of steel harder than standard stainless steel, yet it is flexible and can take a very sharp edge.  The blade is 14.28 centimeters long, with an overall length of 26.99 centimeters.  The blade has a lengthened ricasso-type curve on the inside, while the outside is a shallow, non-sharpened back, and ends in a drop point.  The handle is ergonomic and made of G10 composite material.  Colors for handles and sheathes are a tan color called by the company “Desert Dirt,” while the blades may finished in matte natural metal or black.  Sheathes may be had in right or left-hand versions.  Though designed specifically as a combat knife, it is also strong enough to be used as a utility knife, whether cutting through helicopter sides or prying open a can.

AG Russell Folding Gents Hunter II

     Notes:  This knife was at first a prototype carried for many months in the pocket of one of AG Russell’s knife designers.  The blade is a drop-point blade 9.21 centimeters long, and made of 9Cr13CoMoV (steel/moly/vanadium alloy, with chromium folded in), and is hardened to 58-60 Rc.  The knife is a folding lock blade, opened by a lever at the back of the handle, and is very light due to the handle material.  Unfortunately, it is built in China, which doesn’t have the best quality control for weapons.  The liners are Featherlight stainless steel with spacers, and the handle material is carbon fiber (with Cocobolo and green G10 being options).  The liners are skeletonized to further reduce weight. The pocket/belt clip is reversible, and can be carried tip-up or tip-down.  Though it is primarily a tool knife, it’s length and strength lend it to defensive use.

AG Russell/Browning Wihongi Kukri

     Notes: Jared Wihongi is a Maori police and military consultant, primarily in the areas of hand-to-hand and melee weapon combat.  The Wihongi Signature series were designed by Browning to commemorate him, along with input from Wihongi himself.  The Wihongi Kukri is meant to be a weapon that “if the Maoris invented the Kukri, this is what it would be.”  It is for the most part a standard Kukri knife, but the blade is engraved on both sides with designs like Maori Warrior tattoos and rows of whorls on the handle.  The blade is flat ground and is razor-sharp, and the edge is easily maintained if done properly. The handle is slightly curved to promote the proper grip to be used on a Kukri according to Wihongi.  The blade is of 8Cr14MoV steel alloy with a Rockwell rating of 56-59, and has an overall length of 37.78 centimeters and a blade length of 22.86 centimeters.  The tang is stainless steel, and the hilt guard is stainless steel with brass accents.  The blade has a heavy point and a lightweight handle, making good for lopping off limps and disemboweling opponents, and also useful as a machete.  The handle is constructed of G10, with the main color being tan and the whorls being black.  It has a Kydex sheath with a quick-release clip and several eyelets making it easy to lash to gear.

AG Russell Folding Hunter

     Notes: These are two folding hunter’s knives, one smaller than the other.  Both may have bone, Dupont Yellow Delrin, or India Stag handles.  They are made in a “tiny factory in China” that makes knives to a much higher quality than most Chinese knives.  They have bright-finished blades and accents, including a shield emblem.

     The smaller of the two, the Lockback Folding Hunter, is made with stainless steel bolsters, caps, liners, and inlays.  The blade is of 8Cr13MoV steel alloy, and is flat ground to a sharp edge.  It sharpens to a razor’s edge and ceramic, diamond, aluminum oxide, or Arkansas sharpening stones are recommended. It opens and closes on Teflon washers, and a striker pin prevents the blade from striking the back spring, regardless of how the knife is closed. The blade is 9.21 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide.

     The Large Folding Lockback is similar, but larger.  It also is part of the Texas Ranger series of knives and features the same embellishments as the Lockback Folding Hunter.  The Large Folding Lockback has a coil spring to make opening easier and faster.  The handle is a full 25 millimeters wide.  The biggest difference, however, is the size; it has a blade 11.75 centimeters long.

Angel Fire Knives Mini Guard Dog

     Notes: Like all karambits, the Mini Guard Dog is primarily a defensive knife which can also be used to conduct wickedly hooking, slicing offensive cuts.  The inwardly-curving blade has a rapidly-pointing spike-like point and is edged on the back and front, and is a total of 7.62 centimeters long.  The point of the blade is at an almost 90-degree angle to the handle. It is based on an ancient Indonesian design, but of course made of different steel.  A ring in the metal of the tang helps the wielder keep retention of the Mini Guard Dog in active combat; one puts his thumb through the ring.  The handle is a full-tang handle, wrapped with paracord.  The sheath is of Kydex and designed primarily for attachment to a belt; the inside of the sheath is lined with felt for smooth action.  The blade is capable of great sharpening and is sharp enough to slice paper with ease, being made of Nitro-V stainless steel.  The Mini Guard Dog is a full 19.05 centimeters around its curving blade and handle.

Arkansas Toothpick

     Notes: The Arkansas Toothpick is, in essence, a long-bladed, straight, heavy dagger.  They use a straight pointed blade, and are designed for stabbing deep into a person or animal.  Many are just short of the definition of swords in the United States.  (The 51-centimeter blade model is a sword by Texas law.) In fact, they were often used for dueling up to the 1830s, and many states have legislation that ban Arkansas Toothpicks by name and go back to the 1830s because of their use in dueling. Some were balanced for throwing, but most are simply too blade-heavy for accurate throwing. Blade length could vary widely in actual construction; some average blade lengths are listed below. Blades are sharpened on both edges. Today, Arkansas Toothpicks are made by independent weaponsmiths and by certain manufacturers such as Cold Steel and Atlanta Cutlery.  Blades are typically carbon steel with a full tang and leather-wrapped or plastic handles.

Bear & Son Bear Edge

     Notes: The Bear Edge is not just a knife – it is a whole line of knives as well as a separate division of Bear & Son Cutlery.  The Bear Edge comes in a plethora of handle, blade shape, finish, and opening option variations, as well as five blade lengths/overall lengths.  The parts of the Bear Edge are largely imported, but all assembly is done at their facilities in the US.  All Bear Edges are folding knives. Versions include a basic handle with a thumb groove, textured surface, grooved surface, or checkered surface. Handle colors include black or OD green G10, black, bright or skeletonized bright/OD green aluminum, Mossy Oak Country Camo, or black Zytel. Handles are made from aerospace-quality aluminum. Blade lengths include 6.99, 8.57, 8.89, 10.48, and 11.43 centimeters, as well as a double blade with 9.84-centimeter blade designed for gutting and another 9.84-centimeter, slim, sharper blade designed for skinning.  Blades are 440 stainless steel, with a matte black, matte dark gray, matte stainless, or bright stainless finish.  Blade shapes include drop point, modified drop point, tanto, and drop point with a slight inward curve on the blade, useful for certain game dressing applications.  Blade deployment methods include manual, thumb stud trigger, thumb stud trigger with assisted opening, and lockback.  Blade edges include taper-ground. Other variations include skeletonized handles and the placement of lanyard holes, tie-down holes, and pocket clips.

     Most Bear Edges are identical for game purposes, though some have minor differences in weight, price, and damage potential.

Bear & Son Bear Song IV

     Notes: The Bear Song is unusual for this list – it is a butterfly knife, also known as a flipper.  The butterfly knife is a type of folder; the handle is in two halves, and the blade folds into the handle when it is closed.  One close, deployment and folding may be very fast, depending on the user’s skill -  in Red Dawn, Robert closes one in about a second after using it to engrave kill marks on the butt of his AK.  This, however, limits the blade length a bit, primarily to the length of the handle.  However, the strength of the user gives strength to the halves of the handle staying together; on the other hand, the knife must mostly be gripped as a fist, and many optional and advanced grips may not be used with a butterfly knife.  On the Bear Song, the handles are anodized aluminum, either blue, black, or silver; the blade is of satin-finished 14C28N stainless steel, and uses a clip point.  Blade length is 11.11 centimeters and overall length is 24.77 centimeters.  Though they have their shortcomings, butterfly knifes are light, being of skeletal construction in the handles, and relatively small when folded.  A small swinging clamp secures the handles together when not in use.

Benchmade 551H2O Griptilian

     Notes: The Griptilian is another lock blade designed primarily as a tool, but also useful as a weapon.  The handle is International Orange, and could be used as a small signal.  The blade is half serrations, with the rest a chisel blade with a back portion also chisel bladed.  It does not come with a sheath, but instead has a clip on the back.  The N680 steel is razor sharp and is resistant to all but the worst of the extremes (though it does require proper care and maintenance).  The blade's controls are ambidextrous, whether unfolding or folding.

Benchmade 761 Ti Monolock

     Notes: This is basically what you would expect from a combat-style lock blade.  The titanium-alloy handle is well-contoured and ergonomic. (The blade itself is of M390 Stainless Steel, which is quite hard and holds an edge well.)  It is heavy for a folder, but this is from the reliable lock mechanism and the weight of the blade (the knife is blade-heavy).  As the name indicates, the 761 Ti used a monolock mechanism, which is designed to be quite reliable.

     On the other hand, it's design makes it better for fighting than as a utility knife.  The handle is thin, but is ergonomic.  One problem is that the clip limits how you carry it, and you basically have to shift your grip after you pull it out preparatory to actually deploying it.

Benchmade 3300 Infidel

     Notes: There is no mistaking the purpose of this knife – it is an automatic-deploying stiletto, with a long, narrow double-sided blade.  The blade is 10 centimeters long, with an overall length of 22.73 centimeters.  It has a 6061-T6 aluminum handle with a push-lever opening that is spring-loaded.  It has a G10 grip pattern. The blade material is D2 Tool Steel with a 60-62 Hardness Rating, highly-polished and with a lightning groove down the center.  The blade is a slender 3 millimeters down the center, at its thickest point.  It has a conventional clip allowing tip-down carry, and attachments for MOLLE gear on the Cordura sheath.  It is not designed as a tool and should not be used as such – it is an offensive weapon.  Reviews are uniformly good, and it has seen some military use, both in training and combat.

Benchmade Osborne 770

     Notes: A “Gent’s Knife” or “Gent’s Folder” is a fancy, somewhat antiquated term for a switchblade carried by gentlemen for self-defense.  Despite the term’s age, that is how Benchmade bills the Osborne 770.  This does not mean the knife has old or antiquated construction, however – it has also been described as a “techno-industrial” type of knife.  It is designed by Warren Osborne, normally a maker of small lots of custom knives.  The handle is of black carbon fiber; this lightens the knife from the construction of largely stainless steel.  Instead of a liner lock construction, it uses Benchmade’s patented Axis Lock, which is a type of spring-loaded, sliding button lock.  The nearly 7-centimeter blade is of 154CM stainless steel, with a saber grind.  The knife may be had with a half-serrated blade or a standard blade type. The blade is normally heat-treated stainless steel, but boron coating may be had for another $5 (in game terms).  Full open length is 16.13 centimeters.

Benchmade Volli

     Notes: The assisted-opening Volli is one of Benchmade’s AXIS series of assisted-opening knives, and functions for the most part the same way as other AXIS AO knives, which provides superior opening and locking with a smooth action.  It uses a plain-edged, high flat grind, drop-tip blade made of CPM-S30V stainless steel.  The blade may be actuated by a large thumb button of a smaller index-finder button a quarter of the way down t6he handle.  The blade is 8.28 centimeters, and is 2.54 millimeters wide at its thickest point. The open length is 19.76 centimeters. The handle is 11.23 centimeters and is of contoured and textured G-10.  The blade may be used for wood stripping, whittling, and even some minor chopping.  The clip is reversible.

     The Voilli is known for it’s durability, though to the blade material is can be difficult to sharpen it is, however, “screaming sharp out of the box,” by the web site Blade Reviews. Some users have found that the aggressive texture, with G-10 scales, can damage a pocket.

Blackhawk XSF Micro

     Notes: The XSF Micro is a miniature dagger, with a triangular, elongated blade and a narrow, barely-ergonomic handle and is probably better wrapped in 550 cord for a surer and more comfortable grip.  Despite its small size and light weight, the blade shape makes it a good thrusting weapon, and the interposing blades make slashing attacks also feasible.  It therefore causes outsized damage.  It was designed to alleviate a common problem among daggers -- broken tips.  Despite its blades, the XSF Micro is basically a stabbing dagger.

Boker Aurora

     Notes: This is a folder with a short, broad blade and a sharply-curved handle.  The locking mechanism is a framelock and the handle is made of titanium with two-tone anodizing. The titanium liners inside the handle give the blade excellent stability, and the radial milling grants a good grip.  The blade is made of 154CM steel, a premium steel known for toughness and its ability to hold an edge.  The blade is 4 millimeters at it’s thickest point and 8.11 centimeters long, and has been given a flat edge.  It comes straight out of the handle and then rapidly curves to a point.  The blade has a stonewashed finished.  The belt clip is detachable.

Boker Magnum Lil Friend

     Notes: Though there is a lot of talk about the Lil Friend having too small a grip and in general being too small, it is quite good at its purpose -- being an easily-concealable knife for very short range combat.  It is a Tanto-type knife, shaped like a miniature katana with a serrated back, and comes in a small, flat scabbard. designed to be tied to an equipment belt, with a clip on the back for general stowing.

Boker Plus CLB Karambit

     Notes: This knife is a modified karambit; it has minimal hook to its blade, and the blade shape is more like a very short tanto than a true karambit.  The blade starts with a shallow curve, then continues the blade angled to a point, with a slight back edge.  It has a small section on the back for sawing.  The fingerhole includes a gate to use it as a belt loop.  It has a plain composite G10 handle.  It is useful in the right hand or left hand, but not reversed except for the very skilled.  The blade is of 440C Stainless Steel coated with Titanium/Nickel finish. It is a folder, and locks open with a push on a stud. (Users say the frame lock is a bit stiff, however.) The blade is 7.3 centimeters and overall length is 19.7 centimeters.

Boker Smatchet 2.0

     Notes: The Smatchet is a type of knife almost large enough to be considered a sword.  It dates back to a Fairbairn World War 2 design, designed specifically as something that is primarily a fighting knife that can bring additional utility as a machete and a general chopper.  The OSS described as a cross between a machete and a bolo, and it was based on the World War I trench knife of the British Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which they used to great utility during trench fights and to cut wood for fires.

     Boker’s Smatchet 2.0 is considered an update of Fairbairn’s smatchet (the 1.0 is considered Fairbairn’s smatchet).  It is an impressive knife, striking fear in a knife fight.  The blade is similar in shape to the old Roman shortsword, and it made from cobalt-alloyed steel called Bohler N690.  This stainless steel alloy is superior at holding an edge and keeping the smatchet strong in general.  The blade is an impressive 25.4 centimeters, with a cutting edge (two-sided) of 22.23 centimeters, an overall length of 40 centimeters, and a maximum width (down the center of the blade) of 4.3 millimeters.  The tip is spear-shaped, and the edges have a flat grind. The blade is finished in dark matte gray. The handle is a solid piece of black Micarta, CNC-machined and sword-shaped with gripping grooves and a scaled finish.

     An update of the 2.0, the 2.1, is available.  Boker found that demand for their Smatchet 2.0 was beyond all expectations, and there were shortages of the 2.0 for several months, with lengthy waiting periods at one point.  Boker took advantage of this delay and shortage to update their 2.0 Smatchet into the Smatchet 2.1; the updated number is primarily a marketing tool, though the blade has a stonewashed finish instead of a matte gray finish, and is slightly heavier, the handle is OD Green instead of black, and the blade shape is more dagger-like (though still wide and shortsword-like) than the 2.0.  Game stats of the 2.1 are very similar to those of the 2.0.

     Sheathes for these knives are made of Cordura, reinforced with aluminum.

Brite-Strike Brite-Blade Tactical Lighted Survival Knife

     Notes: Though it conceivably be used for defense or even offense, the Brite-Blade is more a tool than anything else.  The Brite-Blade is a folder that comes in a small box, which is clipped to a belt; it is not just a knife, but also a survival package.  The Brite-Blade, also known by its company designation of TLSK-100, has a blade of 440C stainless steel with a proprietary titanium coating, ground to be razor-sharp, and easy to sharpen.  The blade is 8.89 centimeters long and a little over 3 millimeters at its thickest point. It tapers to a point, with a gentle curve on the blade side, and the back of the blade, which also has a (less sharp) edge. There are two styles of blade to choose from: a straight blade and a blade with a base that is serrated for sawing.  The knife has a single edge. The blade is spring-loaded and flicks out, like a switchblade (though it is much larger). The handle/body is made of Mil-Spec 6061 aluminum which is hard anodized, as is its box and the tools.  Two tactical 45-lumen LED penlights come with the package, and these can be slid into the back of the knife and held there by the bracket and a magnetic strip.  They also may be put on the magnetic strip at a 90-degree angle. They come in red and white light, and could be used to dazzle an opponent; however, they are more designed to be used as a source of light, and can be used removed from the knife. They take a single AAA battery each. Other tools include a carbide window punch, a seat belt cutter/wire stripper/cord cutter, a ferrocerium fire-starting strike strip/knife edge deburring tool, a wire stripper, a line/rope cutter, and an extra belt clip which can also be used as a flat-head screwdriver or used to carry the knife and box separately. The heel of the knife has a positive line lock.  The entire package is quite small and light in weight.

Buck/TOPS CSAR-T

     Notes: The CSAR-T (Combat Search and Rescue Tool) is definitely not a combat knife at its first glance; it looks very much like a meat cleaver and not a combat knife.  This is because the CSAR-T is designed as tool for rescue purposes, particularly from downed aircraft.  The blade is 11.43 centimeters long and heavy; the knife is also heavy.  The blade and tang are of 420HC steel, and tempered for extra toughness.  Openings on the back of the blade allow limited use of the CSAR-T as a screwdriver or wrench.  The CSAR-T is ideal for chopping and sawing, and the handle hex hole can also take some kinds of sockets, making it even more useful as a tool.  The handle is of a tough Kevlar/polymer composite, with a large finger dimple for the front finger.

Buck Knives 119 Special

     This fixed-blade bowie-type blade has been produced for 119 years – so long that a 75^th anniversary version is being produced to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the 119 in its present form.  It was Hoyt Buck’s first knife, and the prototype was made from a worn-out file blade in 1902.  The blade remained the province of hunters and outdoorsmen until Pearl Harbor, when the War Department ordered them by the thousands, to supplement Marine Ka-Bar knives and to distribute to units like paratroopers, special units like the Alamo Scouts, and the Rangers, as well as some use by British Commandoes, Paratroopers, and SOE.  The first 119s were made in the basement of Hoyt Buck’s church, but after the government order, they quickly outgrew those facilities.

     As noted above, the 119 uses a bowie-type blade on a handle with a cross guard.  The blade narrows to a clip point, which allows for detail work, piercing, and cutting in tight places as well as having a stabbing point better than a Ka-Bar. The blade is of 420HC steel and is 15.24 centimeters long, with an overall length of 26.67 centimeters. Blade Finish is Satin steel, and the steel is high carbon alloy steel, easy to keep sharp and unlikely to notch or chip. The blade is heat-treated and has superior corrosion resistance. The handle may be had in Dymondwood or Phenolic polymer material.  The sheath material is black leather with a metal insert, and a closeable pocket on the outside for a sharpening stone.

     Three Anniversary versions of the 119 Special are produced.  Knife Replica #1 is a replica of the knife issued in World War 2.  It has a Lucite handle, and the knife is made from a recycled file blade.  Knife Replica #2 is a replica of the post-war outdoorsman’s knife, and is capable of cutting a bolt or the lock hasps of the time (1949) without complaint, as well as the normal tasks of cutting bones or chopping wood, or slicing and skinning.  The handle is of Lignum Vitae. Like Knife Replica #1, the #2 is made from a recycled file blade.  The Knife Replica #3 duplicates the mid-1950s version of the 119; it has a handle of elk antler or ebony.  These handles are better looking and tougher than previous handle materials.  Like the other two, the blade is made from a recycled file blade.  For game purposes, these three knives are identical to the standard 119 Special.

Buck Knives Bones

     Notes: This is a folding lock knife with a skeletonized handle and an attractive tiger-stripe camouflage pattern on the handle and knife itself.  It comes in small and standard-size versions, and the standard size has a half-serrated blade.  The blade shape is a modified Tanto, and on the standard blade is 7.62 centimeters long; on the small version, the blade is 5.52 centimeters.  Overall length with the blade extended is 11.75 centimeters for the standard size, and 10.55 centimeters for the small size.  Both use 420HC Stainless Steel hardened to RC 58 for the blade and regular stainless steel for the handle. Even the pocket clip is stainless steel.  The handle is ergonomic, with three finger grooves.  The blade springs open at the pressing of an ambidextrous stud.

Bud Nealy Shrike G10

     Notes: The Shrike G10 is a short, pointed blade.  It is available in two sizes, both with 10.16-centimeter blades: one with an overall length of 18.42 centimeters and one with an overall length of 19.05 centimeters.  This allows the user to choose the one that best fits his hand, with a secondary thought of the shorter knife providing better concealability.  The Shrike G10 is balanced for throwing.

    The Shrike G10 comes with a sheath that uses what Bud Nealy calls an MCS – Multi-Concealment Sheath system.  It can be carried in several ways, on the belt in a conventional manner, on MOLLE gear, up an arm or leg, in a neck sheath, under the arm, or a shoulder-carried neck sheath. When carried on a belt or MOLLE gear, the sheath allows for carry in any orientation.  It has polyurethane straps in addition to its belt and MOLLE clips. The sheath is of black Kydex, and allows for left-side or right-side carry. The handle is of checkered black or OD Green polymer material, with no pommel – it simply curves at the end.  The handle has a G10 pattern, (hence the name), and has finger grooves. The blade is of CPM-154 stainless bead-blasted steel, with a high carbon content for strength, keeping an edge, and easy sharpening. The blade is hollow-ground, with jimping around the handle; it can be sharpened to a razor-sharp edge. The blade is on the bottom, with a slight curve toward the very sharp tip.  It is primarily a stabbing knife that can also be used for slashing or ripping (to an extent).

     The Shrike Stag is basically the same, but the handle is made from a Sambar Stag horn, headed by a reinforced copper bolster and secured with copper screws.  It also has a bladed back side, running about 2/3 on the top edge.  The overall size is 18.1 centimeters, with a blade length of 9.53 centimeters. It essentially a combat knife done over to look good, and to be even more concealable. 

     The Shrike is not meant to be a tool; it’s sole purpose is being a weapon which is concealable.

Camilus 7.75-Inch Fixed Blade

     Notes: This is a shortish (for a fixed blade), lightweight knife that is of good quality, but fairly inexpensive (IRL).  The “7.75-Inch” refers to the entire length of the knife (19.69 centimeters), not the blade, which is 3.75 inches (9.53 centimeters). The blade and tang are of a steel alloy called AUS-8, and the blade is coated with Carbonitride Titanium. It has a handle of Micarta, which at 10.16 centimeters, is considered to be too short by many users.  It is an ergonomic grip (with an extra grip ridge for the front finger), so for those with hands the right size, it provides a good tight grip.  The knife’s sheath not only has a loop on the back for placement on a belt, it has a clip for simple belt placement or to clip to any number of loops of straps, and it also has a hole in the clip to tie it onto something if necessary.

Camillus EDC

     Notes: The Camillus EDC (EveryDay Carry) is a compact folder with an open length of only 18.42 centimeters and a blade length of 7.62 centimeters. It’s blade is of Carbonitride Titanium 440 Stainless Steel alloy, which provides both strength and resistance to wear and the elements.  The blade is rated at 10 times harder than untreated steel.  The EDC has an ergonomic glass-filled nylon handle with stainless steel (ordinary 440 stainless steel) inserts inside the handle to help actuate the knife’s opening and closing. The EDC is not a switchblade, but it has spring-assisted opening features.

     The EDC3 it essentially the same weapon, but the EDC3 is shorter when open at 17.15 centimeters, with the same 7.62-centimeter blade and a more ergonomic handle shape.  The blade may also be had in a half-serrated or full blade, both of which are ground to a razor’s edge.

CRKT Amicus

     Notes: The Amicus is a thumb-button-deploying folder that is designed to be equally useable as a combat/defensive knife and a tool knife.  The blade shape was inspired by Viking daggers, though it has a much shorter version of those blades; that said, it is essentially a modified drop point blade. It can chop wood, cut meat, and stab people.  The thumb deployment button is guarded by a slot in the upper back of the blade to prevent accidental deployment and the same feature locks it shut when folded, along with a frame lock.  The blade steel is satin-finished 8Cr13MoV satin-finished steel alloy, with a blade HRC of 58-60 and a plain edge type.  The handle is stainless steel alloy with a stonewashed finish (though about twice as dark as the blade). The blade length is 8.65 centimeters, with an edge length of 7.7 centimeters; total length is 20.64 centimeters unfolded and 11.98 centimeters folded.  Maximum blade thickness is 3.91 millimeters. The handle has a semi-ergonomic shape, and G10 grip panels. Weight is quite light due to the light steel alloys.  The belt clip allows for point-up or point-down carry.

     The blade comes in two forms: One with a regular blade, and one with 15 millimeters of saw-edge at the base of the blade.

CKRT KUK

     Notes: Designed by Ryan Johnson, this knife has a inward-recurved blade, wider at the middle of the blade, with the edge on the wickedly-curving inner edge…well, damnit, it’s a kukri! It’s a smallish kukri, with a blade length of 26.82 centimeters and a total length of 40.32 centimeters.  It was designed to be (IRL) an inexpensive weapon, which is why the blade’s steel is only 65Mn Carbon Steel.  (Ryan Johnson himself says that the KUK is a better machete than a weapon.) Users do say, however, that the KUK takes and keeps an edge well. The handle is of thermoplastics, with checkered rubber over that.  The blade extends into a full tang under the thermoplastics. The blade is of flat dark gray steel, with the grip being of a similar color.  The KUK is sold with a sheath of woven polyester with a belt loop.

     Austin McGlaun took the KUK idea and made it smaller, and turned it into a large knife equally adept at camp chores and as a weapon.  The Clever Girl, as McGlaun calls the implement, is made of stronger SK-5 steel with a dark gray powder coat for the blade and a G10-scale handle.  Overall length is 33.66 centimeters, with 19.7-centimeter blade. The blade is rather thick at 4.78 millimeters. As with the KUK, the Clever Girl features a full tang which runs the length of the G10 handle.  The thickness of the blade makes the Clever Girl almost as heavy as the KUK despite being much smaller than the KUK, and it is actually much stronger than the KUK.

CRKT Triumph Crawford NECK

     Notes: The Crawford NECK is…well…designed specifically with slitting throats in mind, and other hand-to-hand fighting or disposing of persons silently.  It is also meant to kill someone in less than opportune conditions, such as when your firearm has been knocked out of your hand or has malfunctioned, the victim is in a crowd, or the victim is too close for a shot.  The NECK (No-nonsense Emergency Compact Knife) is a single-bladed short knife which has a point that comes off the straight edge of the blade at an angle to a point. This is known as a Tanto blade.  The handle is wrapped in 550 cord that can also be used to neck-carry the blade.  The 550 cord may be adjusted to fit by use of rubber keepers on the tang. It has a Kydex sheath has a patented which belt release design that allow a quick draw of the knife and the sheath, leaving the clip behind.  The belt clip can also be locked down with screws for a more secure carry.  The sheath has detents to lock the knife in the sheath, yet allow for a smooth draw.

     The blade length is 7 centimeters long, for a total length of 16.5 centimeters.  The blade, at its thickest point, is 3.5 millimeters.  Construction of the blade and tang is of 2CR13 steel, with a blade hardness of 51-53.  It comes from the factory with a razor edge and a hollow grind.  The finish is black EDP, with OD Green 550 cord.

CRKT Wasp

     Notes: The original Wasp was a long-bladed, large folder, designed for tool duty as well as a bona fide weapon.  Designed by Howard Viele, the blade is 7.96 centimeters and made of AUS118 Stainless steel. The blade has a frosted finish.  Opening is simple – it is spring-assisted, and uses a thumb stud for easy actuation.  It has an open length of 19.05 centimeters, and a closed length of 11.13 centimeters. The handle is titanium, including a titanium liner lock. The Wasp has a large steel pocket clip.  Note that as more Wasp variants were added to the line, The Wasp was renamed the Large Wasp.

     The Wasp PO Razor uses a blade with almost the same dimensions as the Large Wasp (7.94-centimeter blade), but the blade is shaped sort of like a cross between a straight-razor and a tanto. It has an edge ground to a razor-sharp edge that is, while sharper and more difficult to maintain and more prone to damage, also inflicts a mite more damage.  It also comes in a version with a half-serrated edge.

     The Viele Wasp, also known as the Mini-Wasp, is what it sounds like – a smaller version of the wasp, with a straight needle-nose 6.35-centimeter blade and an overall length of 15.88 centimeters.  It is narrower and does not have the ergonomic grip of the of the Large Wasp, however.

Coast Products Rapid Response 3.90

     Notes: Designed by Ron Lake, the Rapid Response is advertised as a (IRL) budget AO knife.  However, it has several features similar to those found on more expensive AO knives. The Rapid Response’s blade is actuated by a large button with  a raised red circle on it, making the button easy to find in the dark. There is also a Max-Lock safety switch which keeps the blade locked open or closed until switched off, allowing for better safety.  The actuating thumb stud can be reversed to make the knife easier to use for lefties, and the belt clip allows the Rapid Response to be carried up or down and can also be moved to the left side. As the name would indicate, the Rapid Response’s blade springs out quickly, and opens smoothly.  The handle has grips of fiberglass-filled nylon, which has a checkered texture.  The blade is of 5Cr15MoV stainless steel, which comes out of the box with a razor edge and is easy to sharpen. (It has been noted by some users, however, that the blade of the Rapid Response does not have the best edge retention.)  The blade is a respectable 9.85 centimeters, while the overall length is 22.23 centimeters, and the handle is 12.39 centimeters.  The blade has a bead-blasted finish, and the edge extends almost from the handle to the end of the clip point.  The internal liners of the handle are of stainless steel.

Cold Steel Hold Out

     Notes: Each of these folders come in versions with a plain edge and a serrated edge.  Both are useful as fighting knifes.  The plain-edged knives are useful for slicing and skinning, as well as fighting.  The serrated edge knives are useful for cutting bone, wood, and aircraft skins, and can also inflict nasty wounds on an enemy.  (The company emphasizes their use as a tool.) 

     Hold Out II’s blade construction is satin-polished Carpenter CTS XHP alloy steel. They are flat-ground from the spine, with a shallow V-shaped cross-section to the blade, and hand-ground and honed to a razor edge; the tip is needle-sharp.  The blade is 3.5mm wide at its widest point, and the blade is 10.16 centimeters long.  When the blade is out, the overall length is 22.86 centimeters.  The handle is covered in a G10 pattern; the handle has a belt clip to affix it to a belt or other load-carrying gear.

     The Hold Out III is largely like the Hold Out II, but the blade is shorter at 7.62 centimeters, and an overall length of 17.78 centimeters.  Blade width is 3 millimeters. The handle is the same as on the Hold Out II; the blade, just not fit in so snugly.

Cold Steel Ti-Lite Kris Blade

     Notes: A kris is a wavy-bladed knife or sword common to several Southeastern Asian countries in their medieval periods and still popular with collectors today; the kris will also be familiar with fans of the Conan series of books, as they are often depicted on the covers of the older paperback books.  The Ti-Lite uses a 10.16-centimeter blade of the kris type, a folding blade inside a Griv-Ex (similar to Zytel plastic) handle with several vent holes.  (The holes are primarily lightening cuts, and also for looks.) The handle was designed by Phil Bogusewski, and is based on an Italian switchblade design popular in the 1950s and 60s. (The Ti-Lite is not, however, a switchblade.) The blade is of AUS-10A stainless steel, and is sharpened only on one side unlike original kris-type knives and swords; this is for personal safety purposes. The handle is also equipped with a steel pocket clip. The lockwork of the Ti-Lite is very tough for such a blade, able to stay locked open under a weight of 66 kilograms of force, yet be opened and deliberately closed easily.  The handle is colored flat dark earth and the blade is satin polished. The full length of the Ti-Lite is 22.23 centimeters.

     The Ti-Lite Kris Blade also comes in a version with a 15.24-centimeter blade and a version with a 15.24-centimeter serrated blade.  Full length of these versions is 33.02 centimeters.

Colonel Knives LowVz

     Notes: These knives are angled and designed to curl up in a fist, to be used essentially to woodpecker with when fighting.  They have a large thumbhole and a small handle to fit into the fist and a short double-bladed knife. The knives have a 7-centimeter blade and a 7.6-centimeter handle.  The NP3+ has G10 grip patterns and jimping at the spine and hilt.  It comes with a Kydex 100 sheath, with a grommet/slot array for easy attachment to a belt or gear.  The Robar Roguard has essentially the same features, but has a convertible clip.  The Robard Rogard’s finish is black, while it is silver for the NP3+.

CSSD/SC Sister Christian

     Notes: The Sister Christian is a folding knife with an assisted-opening blade.  The blade is large and chunky-looking, but is sharpened to a keen edge and easy to keep that way due to its 8Cr13MoV blade material.  The blade is adept at slicing as well as short chopping strokes, and has a shape like a Chinese dao blade.  The handle is inwardly-curving, ergonomic and is made of G10.  The handle includes a lanyard loop. Atop the blade is a flipper lever which can also be used to manipulate pressure points on an opponent. There is a detent lever on the handle itself; the lockwork is a puzzle lock, which keeps the blade from collapsing inward by accident on impact.  The placement of the large belt clip on the side of the blade can be aggravating if you are not used to it, but the clip is removable.  Blade length is 7.62 centimeters, while the overall length unfolded is 20.83 centimeters.

Delta2Alpha Savannah Slim

     Notes: The Savannah is an improved version of a Seme (Lion Sword) – an everyday carry knife of a Maasai tribesman of East Central Africa. And knife is sort of an understatement, considering its size – with a blade length of 27.94 centimeters and a full length of 46.99 centimeters., it is almost long enough to be considered a sword in many jurisdictions and countries.  A real Seme is made from scrap steel reforged by blacksmith, with the scrap ranging from old soup cans to worn-out Semes; the Savannah Slim, however, is purpose-designed by Delta2Alpha and made from 1095 tool steel.  The symmetrical handle is large enough to be used one or two-handed, and the Savannah Slim is well balanced to be handy despite it’s length.  The blade is further thicker than found on a Seme, with a maximum thickness of 5 millimeters.  The tip is influenced by the Bowie Knife, though the tip is more chisel-shaped than the curved point of the Bowie.  The blade is lightweight for its size without being too lightweight for serious use as a chopper or cleaver, and can stand use as a machete-type blade.  And of course, it had great utility as a weapon.  The handle is wrapped in shrink-fit leather, and the provided sheath is metal inside of thick leather.

Delta Z Osprey

     Notes: Though billed by Delta Z as a compact folder, the blade is a full 8.89 centimeters with an overall length of 19.05 centimeters and a handle length of 10.16 centimeters.  The knife is a Darrel Ralph design, with an ergonomic handle that is about two-thirds maple and one-third black steel ribbed bolsters for better grip. The frame has black steel liner locks. The pivot is a custom design.  The blade and pocket clip are black AUS-8 stainless steel (except for the edge, which is frosted), with the blade having a clip stabbing point and a hollow grind for the blade.  The pivot point is adjustable and the blade springs out with a touch on the small opening button; it is essentially a switchblade.

Emerson X-HD Karambit

     Notes: Emerson says they based this knife on a tiger’s claw.  Like most karambits, it is a wickedly-hooked blade, almost like a pick which is hook-shaped.  It can be used to make stabbing strikes, but the best use appears to be a ripping cut, as the blade is on the inside of the curve.  It is, make no mistake, a battle blade.  The blade is over 8 centimeters long, with a cutting surface nearly 9 centimeters long around its curve.  The blade is of 154 CM Premium Blade Steel, either finished in black or stonewashed, with a satin silver blade surface.  The blade has a chisel grind and is said to be razor-sharp.  The handle has a Black G10 epoxy/glass laminate composite.

Hogue EX-T01 Tomahawk

     Notes: Perhaps more of a display piece than a weapon or tool due to its RL price and it's limited issue, the EX-T01 is nonetheless quite capable of felling trees and delivering killing blows. The blade head is skeletonized, and some sections of this head may be removed to make it able to be used as a pickaxe, grapple, or hand hook.; some sections also be added on to create a head backed by an adze.  The Tomahawk is 35.88 centimeters long, with a head 12.07 centimeters long and 8.26 centimeters across the blade. Finishes for the handle include Red Lava Scales, Green Scales, Dark Earth Scales, and Black Scales.  The EX-T01 has a sheath that fits around the entire head, connected to a paddle sheath.

Kershaw Scallion

     Notes: The Scallion is a compact folder with no buttons for opening; the knife must be opened manually using a thumb presser (called the SpeedSafe assisted opening technology;. it is essentially “assisted flipping.”) The Scallion’s blade is a mere 6.1 centimeters, though it is made of high-carbon 420HC steel that has good resistance to wearing and sharpens well. It may be finished black, bright, or frosted steel. Overall length is 14.61 centimeters. The handle is of glass-filled nylon and comes in a plethora of colors and styles, including with engraving upon request.  The overall length is 13.92 centimeters.

     The Chive may be thought of as a smaller version of the Scallion, functioning essentially the same but about 20% smaller than the Scallion.  The blade is 4.83 centimeters and overall length is 12.2 centimeters.  The blade finish is bead-blasted; that is the only finish for the Chive, though it does have a reduced number of colors from the Scallion. One other difference is that the pocket clip is almost as long as the handle, being the same clip as used on the Scallion.  While its size may limit its use as a weapon, the Chive is eminently concealable.  The Chive uses a frame lock instead of a liner lock; the Chive’s lock is not considered as strong as that of the Scallion.

M3 Trench Knife

     Notes: The request for this knife was issued in 1942; by 1943, just about everyone was making them.  By 1944, it had been replaced by the M4.  It was a strong but rugged knife, and has been copied by almost everyone (I had a knife of this type in the Army).  At first, it came with a leather scabbard reinforced by metal, but it proved too prone to deterioration with normal use, so it was replaced by a plastic sheath similar to that of the M7 bayonet sheath.  And, GIs themselves improvised many ways to carry their knives.  Blade length is 17.15 centimeters, total length is 29.8 centimeters.

M1918 Mk I Trench Knife

     Notes: The M1918 Mk I was designed for the pitched trench fighting of World War 1, but barely issued during that war.  In World War 2, they were issued en masse to Rangers, Paratroopers, Marine Raiders, and some other special operations units like Merrill's Marauders.  The knives consisted of a dagger-like knife with a handle that incorporated a pair of brass knuckles, which were themselves spiked, and the end of the hilt likewise spiked.  Reviews of these knives depended on the experience of the user -- some thought they were great fighting knives, others found the blades snapped off too easily, especially during utility work.  The user of an M1918 Mk I can make an attack with a part of the weapon, then immediately make another attack at one difficulty level more -- but if he misses that second roll, he cannot make any attack with the weapon on the next round. The blade was known to be able to take a sharp edge, but that edge dulled quickly. Damage will be listed with the knife blade/brass knuckles/heel spike. The M1918 Mk I had a 17.1-centimeter blade that was double-edged like a dagger and had a sharp stabbing point, making the blade useful for both thrusting and slashing strokes. Total length is 28.58 centimeters, and due to the knuckleduster handle it is quite wide at about 4 centimeters (that’s an estimate – I haven’t been able to find any hard measurements of the width across the knuckles).

     In World War 2, complaints began to arise among the special operations units using the M1918 Mk I, ranging from poor balance and slow deployment speed to problems with the blade snapping and corrosion (even among new-issue blades).  Additionally, when used in the offensive role, particularly when stealth was required, the M1918 Mk I tended to not produce the quick kills needed for stealthy attacks (although the brass knuckle part of the knife were quite useful for knocking an opponent unconscious if the unit needed to capture an opponent).  The M1918 Mk I also tended to bend, chip, or break when used as a general utility knife. In the end, it was felt that the drawbacks outweighed the good points of the M1918 Mk I, and most of them were replaced with dagger and stiletto-type knives that could more readily penetrate heavy clothing and produce precision strikes to vital areas on the opponent while also being strong enough to be useful as a prybar or a tool.

Camillus Folding Knife w/Marlin Spike

     Notes: The blade on this knife looks more like a straight razor than anything else, though it has a wicked curved spike that folds out from the rear of the knife.  The blade can be used for slashing and the spike for stabbing and blocking.  The knife is of very strong VG10 stainless steel, an alloy of steel, chromium, vanadium, and cobalt.  The spike is also used as an aid for splicing ropes and tying knots. The knife is more a tool, on the whole, for working with ropes than a weapon.  The stainless steel construction means that it is highly-resistant to rust and blemishes, and the G10 handle assures a grip in wet weather.  The damage listed is by blade/spike.  Total length is 16.5 centimeters extended, with a blade 5.77 inches long, and a marlin spike 5 centimeters long.  Both the blade and spike are manually-deployed, but have a positive locking mechanism when extended.  Though it is not normally meant to be a fighting implement, if both the knife and spike are extended, a skilled user can make an attack with the blade and then immediately make a second attack with the spike at -2 to hit and -2 to damage.  If either of these attacks are missed, the user forfeits any attack with the knife the next phase.

Camillus TigerSharp Skinning Knife

     Notes: The TigerSharp is, as the name indicates, is designed primarily for dressing game and as a tool rather than a weapon.  It actually makes a rather clumsy weapon, though hits scored will easily slice through clothing and skin due to the sharpness of the blade. The TigerSharp is shaped as almost a quarter circle, with the point at the top of the curved blade and meeting the slightly-curved top edge (almost, but not quite, like a karambit).  The cutting edge goes through the round and all the way to the point, but it is a single-edged blade.  The TigerSharp comes with a two replacement blades, so one does not have to sharpen blades while in the field; Camillus also sells four-packs of replacement blades at a very reasonable price. The TigerSharp is named for its TigerSharp blade technology, using a proprietary steel alloy and bonded to a layer of titanium. Camillus says that this TigerSharp technology makes a blade three times harder than carbon steel or stainless steel.  The blade is 7.62 centimeters long, with an overall length of 19.2 centimeters.  It is a very light knife. The handle is of a synthetic glass fiber/nylon blend, molded in a camouflage pattern, with an OD Green checkered grip area. Price below is with the two replacement blades included.

     Some users say that the TigerSharp is not up to Camillus’s usual standards.

CampCo UZI Covert Neck Knife

     Notes: This knife is a full 20 centimeters long, with an ergonomic handle and curved cutting edge, with a serrated back edge for sawing about 2.5 centimeters long.  The blade is 9.53 centimeters long, and made of 3Cr13 420 stainless steel.  The reference in the name is due to its sheath, which is meant to be hung on a lanyard from the neck, usually within the shirt. Though the sawing blade is good for its purpose, the knife’s tip is prone to breaking when used for utility. It is a medium-sized fighting knife for both slashing and stabbing when the tip is used correctly.  It's light for its size, and the sheath has a back clip as well as attachments for an equipment belt or on other belts, harnesses, or equipment vests.  As it comes from the manufacturer, the blade is dull, and needs a lot of work.  It is also on a chisel cut, which is not conducive for efficient slashing.

Case V-42 Stiletto

     Notes: Still available today, the V-42 was first designed in early World War 2 and issued only in very limited amounts -- some of its users included the First Special Service Force, Marine Raiders,  and OSS.  It was based on the famous Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, and was a double-edged dagger made of high-carbon steel.  It was designed both for surprise attacks as well as close-quarters fighting.  The blade of the V-42 was made in 18.1 and 18.42-centimeter lengths (same effect and weight for game purposes) and it had an overall length of 32 centimeters, with a 14-centimeter handle. The handle is not ergonomic; it is simply leather-wrapped with a thumb choil. The blade is designed for thrusting and penetration, and could be spiked through a German helmet of the time period.  It was not designed or meant for utility use -- it's high-carbon, flat blade was prone to snapping when used to pry open a box, for example.  The pommel also had a spike like that of the M1918 Mk I, which could be used to break skulls or necks when used correctly.

     The original sheath was hard and inflexible, and not such a hit.  There were several injuries among paratroopers when the V-42 was carried in a leg sheath of the early type, up to broken bones and cuts from the knife tip penetrating the sheath.  A reinforced leather sheath with a metal tip replaced the early sheath. The V-42 is the knife seen on the beret flashes and patches of the US Army Special Forces, Canadian SOCOM, and Canadian JTF-2.

     The US Marine Raiders, a force of elites among elites patterned after the British Marine Commandos, had their own version of this knife, called the Marine Raider Stiletto.  Marine Snipers also were issued the knife, as was members of the 1^st Marine Parachute Battalion of World War 2, and some new-issue knives were still being issued to Marine Recon units as late as the Vietnam War.  If anything, it was even more meant for stabbing and penetration, with a longer, more pointed, and slimmer blade.  The handle was more ergonomic and did not have the pommel spike of the M3, though the blade was 18.84 centimeters (for a total length of 32.84 centimeters), and some had crossguards, though most users preferred them without the crossguards.  The Raiders, along with the 1st Canadian Airborne, found it more conducive to surprise attacks as well as hand-to-hand than the Mark 2 Ka-Bar or the even larger M1918 Mk I. It is made of heavier, high-density steel, very strong but heavy.  Many felt that this made the Marine Raider Stiletto a superior fighting knife, and the weight increased the power of blows. Like the V-42, the Marine Raider Stiletto was not meant as a utility knife.

CRKT Bear Claw

     Notes: Though the blade of the Bear Claw is relatively short at 6 centimeters, the edge is curved and wickedly serrated on either side of the base of the blade and on the back of the blade near the tip. The entire knife is only 14.6 centimeters long. The handle is simple, with a thumbhole for a sure grip (or to sprain your thumb). It is not meant so much to be a combat blade at to saw oneself out of belts, aircraft fuselages, car bodies, etc.  The Bear Claw may be had with serrated edge and blunt or as a plain edge with a sharp, stabbing tip, or a sharp tip with serrations.  The scabbard has several holes to allow stowing in several ways, as well as a clip and a lanyard. The serrated edge version is not known for its ability to carry out precision cuts (it cannot peel an apple, for example).

CRKT Eros

     Notes: Legendary knifesmith Ken Onion designed the Eros to be primarily functional but non-tactical; it is primarily a self-defense weapon that can also be used to whittle, peel an apple, etc.  The Eros has a nylon sheath which can be zipped and unzipped as necessary.  The handle is of titanium alloy, as are the pivot bearings, and the handle has a coke-bottle shape to increase grip.  The blade is shaped like a small spear point and is 7.62 centimeters long, with the entire unfolded knife 17.8 centimeters long.  Unfortunate features include squeezing the sides if the handle; it you do this on an Eros, you will quickly be fumbling trying to unjam the knife.  In addition, the Eros is very right-handed; opening it left-handed takes a high degree of dexterity.

CRKT Fire Spark

     Notes: The Fire Spark features CRKT’s Fire Safe mechanism, which is the knife equivalent of Glock’s trigger safety.  The deployment button is largely recessed; the user must press firmly on the deployment button to actuate the knife.  The button then opens completely, and another press is necessary.  (In reality, it takes less than a second if one practices.)  It is a standard AO knife otherwise, though it is a large knife.  The blade is 19.84 centimeters long, and made of tough 8Cr14MoV steel with a satin finish.  Overall length is 219.2 centimeters one, with a closed length of 120.65 centimeters.  The handle is aluminum, overlaid with a G-10 overlay cover, dark gray in color.  It is useful both as a combat knife and a work knife.

CRKT Hisshou

     Notes: This wicked-looking knife was designed by James Williams, based on feedback and suggestions from military personnel and special operators who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other little-publicized places.  It was designed first and foremost as a weapon, whether to quickly silence guards or use in a general knife-fight.  The knife is curved and the blade cutting edge is 33 centimeters, with an overall length of 46.69 centimeters.  At its thickest point, the Hisshou’s blade is 6.6 millimeters, giving a good backing. Its shape is based on a Tanto, though it does not have the squared off end, instead coming to a needle point.  The blade is of YK-30 high-carbon steel, with a high satin finish.  Though its stabbing performance is good, its forte is slashing.  The handle is Micarta, with a Ray Skin under the cord-wrapping. The sheath is specially-formed to be conducive to retention and quick-drawing.  It has a belt/gear clip, and it can be taken off gear or belts with a simple press.

CRKT M16-04A

     Notes: This primarily a combat knife, though the web site says that it has utility for general chopping or whittling, and it does have a short (and I mean very short) sawing portion on top of the blade.  It is a Tanto-type blade, with an edge that extends completely up to the point, and a back edge that, while narrower than the rest of the knife, does not have an edge. It is an automatic-deploying blade, spring-loaded and opening at the press of a stud.  A second button provides a safety, keeping the blade in when folded and making sure it locks out when the blade is out. The blade is made of CPM 154 steel with a Harness Rating of 58-60 RC.  The blade is 10.16 centimeters long and the knife has a total length of 23.5 centimeters, making an excellent fighting knife, and the shape makes ripping cuts and withdrawing the knife easier.  The thickness of the blade is 3.81 millimeters thick at its thickest point (the back of the blade).  The blade is finished in Matte Black DLC.  The edge is a plain slicing edge and easy to sharpen or make sharper.  The handle is of Type III Aircraft Aluminum, and anodized and finished in Matte Black with lightning holes in one side of the handle.  The handle thickens towards the blade, to help prevent finger slippage; the rest of the handle is plain with a slight curve in it and a pommel that is wider than the rest of the handle, reinforced for hammering or striking blows.  The M16-04A has a three-position stainless steel clip. Design is by noted bladesmith Kit Carson (not to be mistaken with the famed scout of the 1800s).

CRKT OC3

     Notes: The OC3 was designed as a no-nonsense combat blade by the designers at CRKT and several combat veterans, including Pat Cascio, a vet who is also a martial artist with several black belts to his name.  It is a fixed-blade tactical knife made from SK5 carbon/manganese steel, finished in a black powder coat.  The handle is of polished resin, infused with carbon fiber.  The sheath is also strong, made of glass-reinforced nylon, which has MOLLE-compatible attachments as well as several large eyelets for ad hoc tying down to gear.  The blade is 15.42 centimeters and has a classic dagger shape, 4.6mm thick, and with an overall length of 27.78 centimeters.  It is light in weight, making it easy to move and groove in a fight.  It is also balanced for throwing.  The OC3’s blade is given a razor-sharp grind on its primary edge, and somewhat less on the back edge, and it easy to sharpen.  The butt of the knife also has a boss that can be used for smashing heads as well as nails.

CRKT SPEW

     Notes: The SPEW (Small Pocket Everyday Wharncliffe) is shaped almost like a kitchen implement -- but the rapidly sharpening blade and straight edge, as well as ergonomic handle, mark it as a weapon.  It is called an EDC knife by CRKT (Every Day Carry). It looks good, and it looks like a small version of several larger knives.  Blade length is 7.62 centimeters; the blade edge extends straight out, with the top slanting down towards the edged side, forming a sharp point.  (This is known as a Wharncliffe-type blade.) The blade is bead-blasted and has a satin finish as a result. Overall length is 15.88 centimeters. The handle has an ergonomic shape and is made from G10. Frequent sharpening is required, as it does not hold an edge well, and the edge is weak and prone to chipping, due to the Chinese steel used (China is not known for its quality knife steel).

CRKT Tecpatl

     None: The Tecpatl was designed by a veteran, Michael Rodriguez, who is of Mexican pre-Columbian ancestry.  The name is pre-Columbian, but this is not a weapon those cultures would have used or invented.  The Tecpatl (meaning throat punch) is a push/punch dagger, designed for self-defense and not much else, though it could also be used as an offensive weapon.  It is all-metal, with native Mexican designs in white on the handle and blade.  It is designed to be used as an extension of the hand in battle, and it is a small package, easily concealable.

     The blade is a tanto shape, made of SK5 Carbon Steel with hardness of 53-55.  It is finished with a black powder coat, and underneath that is a handle of stainless steel.  It does come with a sheath, made of black Kydex.  The blade is a mere 8.57 centimeters, with a maximum thickness of 5.16 millimeters, and an overall length of 14.77 centimeters.

     The Tecpatl is used by some special operations personnel.  It was also used by some of George W Bush’s Secret Service detail, and those who have them were personally presented to them by the President himself.

Cold Steel Battle Ready Sword Cane

     Notes: The sword cane is sort of an interesting weapon; early sword canes were neither good canes nor swords.  Modern sword cane are a little bit of both, but still a little light and of questionable strength as a cane and of limited usefulness as a sword.  The handle it a rather awkward grip for a sword, so one must remember to grip below the grip.  Removing the sheath can get a bit difficult in a combat situation.

     The Battle Ready appears to be, when sheathed, to be a normal supportive-type cane, and does a credible job at that.  It has a rubberized heavy duty nylon grip over plastic material called Grivory by Cold Steel; the sheath is mostly metal, except for the thick rubber foot at the bottom, like a real cane would have. (This can also be used to put one’s foot down on when drawing the sword, then let the sheath drop away.)  The handle is shaped in a partial crook, while the sheath is of black aluminum.  The concealed sword is of 3Cr13 stainless steel and is 61.6 centimeters long, with an overall length of 95.25 centimeters.  It can be used sheathed as a club, of course, but the primary accent of the Battle Ready is the concealed sword, which has a blade for most of its length and comes to a sharp stabbing point.  The blade is best used for slashing (or fencing, if you know how) or stabbing; the blade, while strong, is very narrow and does not have a lot of weight behind it.  One could also use the sheath to block blows, or use as a club in one hand and a sword in the other.

     While the Battle Ready is stronger and better-made than most similar weapons, it’s good to remember that it is a compromise between two different items.  The Battle Ready is also known as the Heavy Duty.

Collins V-44 Gung-Ho Knife

     Notes: The V-44 received it's Gung-Ho moniker from the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, who were the sole unit to adopt the knife other than some small amounts of use elsewhere.  It is a big, Bowie-type knife, with a 24.13-centimeter blade and an overall length of 35.56 centimeters, almost large enough to be considered a shortsword.  The blade is wide, strong, with a blade sharpened along the inside edge and the Bowie-type edge.  They are based on, and almost identical to, the Collins Type 2 Survival Knife.  Most V-44s have Green Horn handles, though some were black plastic. It is a heavy, sharp blade that could probably take off an arm or hand with the right employment.

Cutco Mark 2 Ka-Bar

     Notes: A descendant of the Bowie Knife, the Ka-Bar was first issued in World War 2 and is now still manufactured by the KA-BAR Corporation, in an updated form.  Cutco, however, designed the knife in 1923; it simply did not attract much military sales until World War 2. There was civilian interest, as it could also be used for skinning and bone-cutting, qualities that made a good hunting knife. It is a single-edged wide blade that has a sharpened back edge to the point of the knife. It is designed for slashing, stabbing, and ripping, and in a piece of Grunt mentality, is also useful as a utility tool. Descendants of those World War 2 Marines still use a similar knife today. Military sales came about by an unusual route: the Marines were buying the Ka-Bar with their own money, and recommended them to their superiors, and the Mark 2 became official issue in 1942. The Navy also issued the Mark 2 to divers and Seabees. Some Ka-Bars were also issued to Army Personnel in World War 2, such as some Rangers and British Commandos.

     The Mark 2 and it's descendants are thought of by many as ideal knives, useful for fighting as well as prying the lids off boxes or unburying cables. The Ka-Bar is a large, heavy blade, capable of slashing blood vessels, opening up a gut, or piercing a helmet. Blade length is 18 centimeters, with a full length of 30.16 centimeters. The pommel is a flat face backed with high-strength steel, making it useful as a hammer.  It was supposedly capable of being sharpened with nothing more than a good-sized rock (though this story is probably apocryphal).  Like many knives when first issued, the Mark 2 was issued with a reinforced leather sheath.  This deteriorated quickly, particularly in the jungle that the Marines were fighting in in World War 2, and replaced with a plastic sheath with a metal reinforcing tip and a canvas belt loop.  Though technically not as an effective design as the M3 or the V-42, its weight, wide blade, and good mixture of steels made it at least the equal of those knives.

Dawson Asian Tanto

     Notes: The Asian Tanto is not Tanto-like in design; in fact, it looks more like a slimmer version of a Roman gladius than a Tanto or Japanese Sword.  The blade is 48.26 centimeters long, and the overall length 76.84 centimeters, which in fact does make it a sword here in Texas where I live.  Ostensibly meant to be used as a sort of machete, its design and the slimness of the blade wouldn’t make a very good machete.  It seems more than anything else a killing weapon with a secondary use as a machete.  The top edge is sharpened for about a quarter of the way to give it even more utility as a weapon. It’s a sword “by any other name.” The blade is heat-treated for hardness and produces a tough, shock-resistant weapon with a superior edge that holds its edge. The Micarta handle is slightly curved and the hand wraps around it naturally; it is overlaid in two sections with Japanese Interlocking Wrap in 550 cord.  An alternate handle is of exotic rare woods plus the Japanese Interlocking Wrap. The standard Asian Tanto is made from 5160 high-carbon steel alloy; the buyer has the option of an American Damascus steel blade and tang.  The blade and tang are treated with a thin layer of clear Cerekote to make it further weatherproof.  The sheath may be hand-stitched leather treated against rot and weather or a less-expensive (IRL) Kydex sheath with attachment points to attach it to a belt or backpack.

Emerson Karambit-SF

     Notes: Also known as the Super Karambit and the Super Folder Karambit, the blade is, like most karabits, wickedly sharp.  It has the sort of high-quality construction people have come to expect from Emerson Knives.  The handle has a G10 pattern and is of composite material.  The blade material is of 154CM Stainless Steel, polished; the rest of the metal of the knife has a brushed surface.  The blade is large and generous and the karambit has an overall length of 20.3 centimeters with a blade of 6.6 centimeters.  Like almost all karambits, the handle includes a large finger ring.  Emerson says that the Karambit-SF is made in a special wave-shaped feature.  Opening and closing are ambidextrous, and forward or reverse openings and use are equally valid methods of use.

ESSE Izula-II

     Notes: The Izula-II is a lightweight, short-bladed knife designed for survival use, making is more a tool than a combat knife.  The blade is a mere 6.68 centimeters long, and is shaped more like a chopper than a combat knife.  The blade has a flat grind. The blade is of 1095 carbon steel and is 3.96 millimeters thick, with a back near the base having a sawing edge.  It is a total of 17.15 centimeters long. It is a good knife for skinning, dressing game, and stripping wires.  It comes in a sheath with a lanyard hole at the tip, and its small size means that it can be carried as a neck knife.  The knife itself also has a lanyard hole. It also may be carried elsewhere, and has a belt clip on the back.  It is also a good knife for concealed carry, so some thought was made to its use as a combat knife.  The finish is a textured powder coat in black, and the sheathes may be Black, OD Green, or Desert Tan.  The knife has a fixed blade and a belt clip; the handle is made of canvas-patterned Micarta.

     A variant of the Izula-II is a set including 550 cord for making lanyards, a cord lock on the heel of the knife, large and small split rings, a ferro fire rod, a whistle, and a snap hook.  These tools fit into an enlarged sheath.

ESSE-6 Survival Knife

     Notes: This knife is meant to be more a tool, as it is optimized for chopping, skinning, slicing, and cutting through bone, though it is also useful for more intricate cutting.  The blade is made of 1095 high-carbon steel, with a full flat grind.  The blade is fixed, and is 16.51 centimeters long, 3.96 centimeters wide, and is 4.8 millimeters thick, and the knife has an overall length of 29.85 centimeters.  The blade is single-edged, curving to a point at the end of the slightly-curved back.  The handles are of Micarta, are very durable, and provide a good grip even when wet.  This is due to the linen covering.  They can be removed.  The ESSE-6 has a lanyard hole at the base, and the sheath is molded plastic with a clip plate.  Finishes include standard black with an OD Green or Coyote Brown sheath, and a Venom Green blade with Orange handles (and an OD Green or Coyote Brown sheath).  As an option, the ESSE-6 may have a sharpened back of the blade.

Fox Knives Karambit 599 XT

     Notes: This is a folding karambit with a relatively short blade, but with a pronounced hook in it.  It manually extends by means of a stud on the back of the blade.  Another lock can be employed is the user has the karambit in an ice pick grip. It is designed, despite the blade size, for medium and large-sized hands, due to the size of the grip.  The blade “length” is 5.72 centimeters, but this is due to the curve of the knife and the blade edge is more like 7 centimeters, wickedly hooked and quite capable of making large ripping cuts to the gut or throat. Full open length is 17.78 centimeters. One extended, it locks into place, and the same stud releases it again.  The blade is ground to be razor sharp out of N690CO steel.  The back of the knife also has a glass breaker.  It is assembled with Torx screws (with Loctite pre-applied), but an appropriate Torx wrench comes with the knife.

Fremont Farson Blade

     Notes: The Farson Blade is not actually a knife, though it could be used as a slashing instrument by gripping the handle; except in the hands of a skilled wielder, however, it would make a poor hand-held weapon.  The Farson Blade is roughly D-shaped, narrower at the bottom than at the top, straight-backed, and bladed along the front and top outer edges.  Farson emphasizes that it is not a combat blade, but rather a survival tool. The slicing edge is nearly 19.7 centimeters long (though the actual length is 15.24 centimeters, the blade curves around the front of the tool), the handle portion is about 11 centimeters, and it is 3.56 millimeters thick. The grip is made by wrapping some cord around the grip to comfort, and the Farson Blade comes with 2.4 meters of 550 cord.  It can also be used this way for chopping, and if skillfully-wielded, for cutting, slicing, and skinning.  One could also attach it to a makeshift handle with the cord around the grip to make a hatchet; Fremont recommends a handle length of about 15 centimeters, for a total length of about 30.24 centimeters.  The Farson Blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, with a glass bead-blasted non-reflective finish.  The Farson Blade comes with a special sheath with plastic inserts to keep the sharp blade from slicing its way through the leather of the sheath.

Gerber 06 Auto

     Notes: The 06 Auto series is a set of automatic-deploying knives, opening by a push on a stud on the back of the handle near the blade.  They come in varying sizes and points, but all are excellent fighting knives, as well as more general tools, as most have saw-edge portions, and they have ergonomically-shaped aluminum handles. The 06 Auto has received high marks from military personnel who have deployed, even to the point of having to have fought with it.  First responders also give it high marks.

     The first model has a drop-point, spear-shaped blade, with a blade on one side with about half of that being a saw edge.  The back of the blade from the point to about halfway back has a thinner edge, though it is not a blade.  The knife is considered to be a premium knife by most knife experts.  The blade is a corrosion-resistant CPM-S30V stainless steel blade 9.65 centimeters long which is finished in matte black.  The blade may be 9.65 centimeters, but the a small blank section between the handle and the choils means that the cutting edge is only 8.89 centimeters. The blade grind is flat. Overall length is 21.6 centimeters.  The stainless steel pommel has a lanyard hole, and is also reinforced and slightly pointed to act as a striking point.  The handle is of anodized Type 6061 aluminum that has a G10 grooved gripping surface, and large finger choils to prevent the fingers from riding up the knife under stress and sweat and cutting one’s own fingers. 

     The 06 Auto Tanto Serrated is basically the same as the previous knife, but has a chisel Tanto-shaped edge. It too has a blade of CPM-S30V carbon steel, but has a shorter blade edge of 8.5 centimeters due to the Tanto point. Overall length is 21.8 centimeters long. The 06 Auto, Tanto, is for the most part the same, but does not have the serrations on its blade and the blade in ground to a sharper standard.

Gerber Bear Grylls Parang

     Notes: This implement comes in compact and standard sizes, and it is based on the tool/weapon used originally in the Malay Archipelago and later in Southeast Asia.  There, it is a common tool for chopping, cutting down fruit and general chopping, harvesting, and shaping wood and other materials.  It works as a machete too. And, if necessary, it is used as a weapon; a good strong swing with one can lop off an arm with little problems.  They are favorites of some SASR and SAS units, as well as special operations of India and Pakistan, and Malaysian, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, and Singaporean street gangs. 

     The Bear Grylls Parang is sort of an updated version, made of stronger materials and better general construction, and tweaks from Bear Grylls himself. The blade comes out angled from the handle, and then curves well towards the end, with a mild point.  In between the point and the handle, the Parang widens out into a chopping blade similar to a cross between machete and hand axe.  The blade length is 34.3 centimeters, but about 6.4 centimeters of that is the section coming out from the handle before the edge starts.  Overall length is 48.9 centimeters, which basically makes it a sword (at least here in Texas). The blade is made of an alloy of high carbon 1055 steel and other metals, which is reportedly very tough and rust-resistant. It also has the standard Gerber blade coating that is used on almost all of its blades. The blade is ground to be razor-sharp, and has a convex grind. The grip is semi-soft polypropylene, and is textured to provide a good grip.  Both the handle and the sheath have a lanyard hole, and it is recommended to use the handle lanyard hole to use a cord to stabilize your grip.

     The sheath is made from military-grade nylon material, well-built and tough. The sheath is sized for the Parang and has a top Velcro strap and several snaps; it retains the Parang quite well.  The sheath also has a total of two lanyard/tie-down holes, to secure it to the leg or other gear.  A bonus is the booklet of survival tips and how you can utilize the Parang in your survival.  This fits into a plastic pouch on the inside of the sheath.

     The Compact Parang is essentially the Parang, but smaller, with a 23.7-centimeter blade and a 38.3-centimeter overall length. It is much lighter, and does not deal out as much damage in melee, though it is just as useful as a tool, with a little more oomph when swinging.

     Some users have noticed a certain tendency for the Parangs to accumulate dings very quickly, which have to be repeatedly dressed and sharpened out.  Some others have noticed a tendency to bend, particularly on the larger version.  Others say it is every bit as sharp and tough as Gerber advertises, and that accidental misuse can result in serious injuries to others.  Some reviews call it a bit clumsy. Some say the sheath is a bit fragile. The survival tips booklet is said to be uninformative to a person with average fieldcraft skills. Your mileage may vary.  Most users gave it five stars. One article even said that if you pack one of these, bring some leather bandaids for those unintended injuries.  Many say that it chops better than a hand axe, and some say, not so much.

Gerber Decree

     Notes: This is a fairly large folder with a deployment flipper and a long blade with about a quarter of the blade being serrations.  Therefore, while it can be used as a tool, it is a good fighting knife, as it is a lock blade.  The butt-end has a glass breaker, and the handle is glass-filled plastic, and it is textured for a sure grip. The flipper doubles as a finger guard once the blade is deployed. The blade is of S30V steel with a rubberized textured grip over glass-filled nylon, 9.4 centimeters long with an overall length of 22.01 centimeters and a handle length of 12.95 centimeters.  The blade is a tanto-type shape with a 15mm length of saw-type blade at the base.

Gerber Propel Downrange AO

     Notes: The Propel Downrange AO is an auto-opening knife using Gerber’s new AO technology.  This gives the knife a faster opening speed without sacrificing safety. Half of the blade is semi-serrated, which means that the serrations can be used to enhance damage in a fight as well as a saw or whittling implement or to cut straps and belts.  The blade, even the serrations, are razor sharp out of the box, and made from S30V stainless steel.  The blade is 8.89 centimeters long, with an overall length of 21.54 centimeters and a folded length of 23.7 centimeters. The blade is tipped with a Tanto-style clip. The handle features textured G-10 in a desert tan or black or a variety of camo patterns.  The handle has a three-position clip, and there is a lanyard hole on the pommel.  Though not designed with throwing in mind, the Propel Downrange AO is balanced enough for an accurate throw.

Grayman DUA

     Notes: The DUA is a folder with a blade 7.62 centimeters long and a handle made of either G10 composite on either side (in varying colors of camouflage patters), or G10 on the left side and titanium on the right.  Overall length is 11.76 centimeters. The blade and internal parts are precision-machined from a CPM 20CV steel/Titanium alloy, and is marvelously light for its size.  The blade has a stonewashed finish, and the titanium handle pieces are of a matte finish.  The blade is a modified leaf-shape, with a saw on the back of the blade near the folding point.  A clip is attached hear the folding point on the right side, but this is reversible.

     The Satu is a larger, heavier version of the DUA, with a 10.16-centimeter blade and an overall length of 14.3 centimeters.  The construction is all titanium/CPM 20CV steel alloy, with a heat-treated blade; this is with the exception of G10 composite backstraps.  The blade is flat ground, and at its maximum 3.81 centimeters. It is designed primarily for cutting and sawing through cords and aircraft fuselages; its use as a good combat knife is secondary.

Habilis Bush Tools Knives

     Notes: Habilis Bush Tools started from scratch – literally.  Steven and Penny Staten built their own production facility to their own specs, built the production tools, and still take an active hand in making the knives and accouterments for their knives.  Their first knife was the Bush Tool, a version of the Scandinavian puukko.  This is a large, wide-bladed knife, with a heavy, wide, fixed blade designed primarily for chopping wood (or people…)  It has a recurve on the back edge of the front of the knife for finer wood cutting, and the blade extends from the handle to the tip point.  There is a notch on the rear near the handle for actions as diverse as sawing wire and cutting fruit from trees.  The Bush Tool may be had with a 3.175-millimeter grind or a 4.76-millimeter grind.  The blade is 13.34 centimeters; overall length is 26.04 centimeters. The blade is of 1095 High-Carbon steel. The handle is of G10 with a scaled texture, over fiberglass composite. It has three thong holes allowing it to be attached to a belt or equipment or even a staff to make a spear.

     The Feral Hunter has a spear-type point with a handle wrapped in black 550 cord, enough to make a very comfortable handle. The spear point is edged on all sides and comes to a point 5.715 centimeters to the end; overall length is 16.83 centimeters.  Though it is useful as a chopper or other wood-carving task, or for digging, the Feral Hunter appears to be primarily a weapon.  The Nomadic hunter is essentially the same blade with a much-longer handle; it reminds me of the Zulu assegai short-hafted spear, though it is not as long as that weapon and it has a smaller spear point.  It is designed for thrusting and can also be used for slashing. It has an overall length of 20 centimeters, mostly handle.

     The LUCK is, on the other hand, designed to be a camp or survival tool, with a chopping/cutting edge and a deep rounded notch to form a finger guard.  The saw-edge portion is 22.3 millimeters long. The edge goes forward from this guard to the point.  The entire knife is 22.86 centimeters; the blade is 11.43 centimeters, with a 9.2-centimeter cutting edge.

     The Self Reliance Tool is an outgrowth of the Bush Tool, with a larger, heavier blade with a finger guard, a “doggie bone”-shaped handle, and a back notch for fine cutting.  The entire knife is nearly 30 centimeters long, a blade over 17 centimeters long, and a continuous curved cutting edge 14 centimeters long.  It is made out of 1095 High-Carbon steel, with a fiberglass composite handle. 

Hogue EX-01

     Notes: The EX-01 Folder is a dagger-like knife with longish, straight blade and a cutting edge on the front and about two-thirds the way down the back.  The third of the back has a saw edge approximately 20 millimeters long. The EX-01 is a lock blade that springs open with press on a stud near the front of the handle.  The handle has a stud to close the knife as well.  The handle has a dimpled gripping surface and a thumb well for even more positive gripping.  The EX-01 was actually designed to be a camper’s knife, though it makes a credible weapon; it is useful for everyone from electricians to campers to soldiers and first responders.  Most of the EX-01 is of heat-treated and cryogenically treated 154CM stainless steel with a stone-washed finish, though the handle material may be stainless steel or 6061 T6 aluminum, with a matte black, matte OD Green, G-Mascus black, or G-Mascus green finish to the G10 outer covering.  The pocket clip is spoon-shaped and may be placed tip-up or tip-down.  The blade is 10.16 centimeters long, with a 22.54 overall length.

     The EX-F01 is a larger, fixed-blade version of the EX-01 folder.  It is made largely from the same materials as the EX-01, but has a tan KA-2400 Gun-Kote finish to the blade and an ash wood (though the handle is made from G10) finish to the handle, with an ergonomic handle. Inside the handle, in a hidden compartment, is a Torx wrench for disassembly.  The nylon sheath is MOLLE compatible.  The blade is 17.78 centimeters long, with a 32.51-centimeter overall length.  The blade is strong with a maximum thickness of 6.35 millimeters.  It too is primarily for camping, soldiers, and first-responder use, it also makes a good combat knife.  It can also cut through thin metal, belts, straps, and tie-down ropes or bungee cords with ease, as well as sheetrock and thin plastic and wood.

Hogue EX-F02

     Notes: The EX-F02 was designed for hunters, campers, and outdoorsmen in mind.  It’s handle is of a polymer core, with an overmolded rubber hybrid outer surface, making the knife easy to grip even when wet or conducting strenuous cutting and chopping.  (An optional handle is of G10 scales.) The EX-F02 may have a Clip Point or Tanto point at the buyer’s option, and is hand-sharpened, heat-treated and cryogenically-treated, and finished with matte black KG Gun-Kote.  The blade is fixed and of A2 steel.  The blade is of medium length for such a knife at 11.43 centimeters; overall length is twice that. The sheath is polymer and secure-fitted to the knife’s blade; this sheath has several nylon loops on it for mounting on gear, and a belt clip.  The sheath is also MOLLE-compatible. The EX-F02 is specifically designed to be equally useful for right-handed and left-handed users.

Hogue EX-T01 Tomahawk

     Notes: Tomahawks have seen more use by the military recently, as they are not only useful as a weapon, but as a tool, chopper, and to open the sides and canopies of crashed aircraft.  They are also popular with civilian first responders, as a light, handy axe for clearing debris.  Campers and hunters like them for their ability as choppers for wood and bone, or, by using the back, as hammers and pounders.

     The EX-T01’s blade is made from hardened 6.35-millimeter S-7 steel, and the handle is dressed in hardened G10 scales (in black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and G-Mascus Blue Lava).  The blade is hardened to a razor-sharp edge by Hogue, and it is easy to keep it sharp with the appropriate stones or sharpening devices.  It is both heat-treated and cryogenically-treated.  The head is skeletonized, and with the quality of steel, it makes the head light yet strong.  The handle has a flared end, useful as a hammer.  The sheath is interesting; it features magnetic catches and a raised section that matches the profile of the EX-T01, securing the tomahawk in its proper position.  This also allows for rapid deployment.  The sheath also has a number of holes around it to provide flexibility in attaching to equipment; there is also a nylon waist band and Tek-Lok mounting points for alternate attachments.  Optional attachments include a hammer, a prybar, or a spike.  The length of the EX-T01 is 35.88 centimeters; the blade width is about 12 centimeters.

KA-BAR Ek Model 4

     Notes: This is a reproduction of a dagger used by Marine Raiders in World War 2.  John Ek’s knives have been used in six major conflicts since he founded his company in 1941.  It has been recently acquired by KA-BAR, who have continued his tradition of combat knives.  Also known as the Commando Knife Model 4, the Ek Model 4 is a dagger useful for stabbing and slashing.  It is made of 1095 Cro-Van high carbon steel, cut with a little chromium for hardening and molybdenum for edge-holding, some nickel for toughness, and vanadium for better bonding between the metals used in its construction.  It has a 16.8-centimeter blade, tapering to a point at the end, but a point, due to its construction, is unlikely to break in normal use. Overall length is 32.07 centimeters. The design concentrates 100% of the force used along the center of the blade, making it highly useful for stabbing, though the edges are also good for ripping and slashing.  It is also well balanced for throwing.  The handle is wood with deep-scalloped serrations for a sure grip, and they can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement if desired.  The sheath is of Celcon thermoplastic.

KA-BAR Jarosz Choppa

     Notes: This huge knife is not only excellent for combat, but can function to chop wood and bone as well as use as a short machete.  It is made from 1095 Cro-Van high carbon tool steel, with an overall length of 38.1 centimeters and a blade length of 25.08 centimeters, and a maximum thickness of 4.76 millimeters on the back of the blade.  It is sabre-ground with a 20-degree grind. The sheath is heavy-duty polyester with attachments that are MOLLE-compatible.  The handle is of Ultramid, and is hard and long enough to use to bludgeon someone or use as an ad hoc hammer.  The blade is coated in matte black weatherproofing material.

KA-BAR Kukri Machete

     Notes: As the name would indicate, this is sort a cross between a machete and kukri, though it favors its kukri ancestry.  It has a blade length of 29.21 centimeters, with an overall length of 43.18 centimeters.  It is made from 1085 carbon steel treated to a hardness rating of HRC 52-54.  It is useful for slashing through overgrowth, killing game (if you can get close enough), and even chopping a log like an axe -- or lopping off heads and arms and legs.  It is an excellent tool and an excellent fighting weapon.  At its maximum thickness the blade is 4.2 millimeters wide; this in the back of the blade to provide a good backing and provide stiffness.  The handle is made of a synthetic material called TPR, and is shaped for a good grip.  It is finished in all black.  Though sold exclusively by KA-BAR, the Kukri Machete is made in Taiwan.

Keen Edge Live Kerambit 1

     Notes: The Live Kerambit 1 has the typical hooked blade, but has a more normal knife-like handle.  The handle is wrapped in specially-knotted 550 cord that may be black, red, blue – pretty much any color of the rainbow.  The 550 cord gives a secure grip while keeping weight down. The finger ring is polished to a smooth profile, and the metal color may be stainless steel or gray.   The blade material is 1095 stainless steel.  A blunt aluminum version, called the K1, is also sold, for practice purposes. The Live Kerambit is a small knife, designed for self-defense and concealment; it’s blade is a mere 5.08 centimeters long and overall length is only 15.24 centimeters.

Kershaw Barge

     Notes: This folder essentially straddles the line between a mere “pocketknife” and something that can be used as a serious weapon.  The Barge has a short, strong, Wharncliff-shaped blade, with a thickened upper section with grooving for use by bracing against a thumb.  The Barge is impaired as a weapon due to the short blade, which is a mere 6.8 centimeters long.  The user’s hold on the Barge is good, due to the nearly 12-centimeter handle.  This allows the user to inflict strong downward cutting and slicing force, whether being used as a tool or weapon.  The thick blade and long handle also lends itself to excellent use as a prybar, and the back end of the knife has a wider, wedge-shaped edge that is of even more utility as a prying tool.  The rear pry surface is not sharp, and can’t used as more than a smashing surface in melee, but is far stronger than the blade.  The handle has a front glass-filled nylon scaled surface for grip and a rear scaled steel surface for strength. The steel used on The Barge, including the blade, is 8Cr13MoV Chrome/Moly/Vanadium steel with a stonewashed finish. The Barge comes with a reversible/either side pocket clip.

Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker

     Notes: This AOK is designed to be an EDC self-defense weapon and a first-responder’s backup tool.  The name comes from the fact that it has a carbide glass/window breaker on the pommel.  Deployment uses Kershaw’s Trac-Tec system, which provides a sure lock when it is deployed; the Blur also uses Onion’s SpeedSafe AO, which ensures a rapid-opening blade.  The Blur uses a recurved blade; the initial quarter (2.15 centimeters) of the blade is a sawing edge , designed to cut seat belts, webbing, and child car seat fastenings, and can also cut through items like thin metal.  The blade is 8.6 centimeters long, with an overall length of 20 centimeters and a closed length of 11.4 centimeters.  Blade material is Sandvik 14C2BN, a harder version of carbon steel, alloyed with boron and nitride, and the blade is DLC coated.  The blade is fairly wide and is hard enough to use when trying to pry things loose. The handle is mostly scratch-resistant anodized aluminum, but the blade guide and inserts are stainless steel.  The handle is black and textured.

Kizer Lan G-10

     Notes: The Lan G-10 is a folding knife designed for rapid blade deployment and based on the Japanese Tanto knife.  It is sort of a modernized Tanto, being made of superior Bohler N690 steel and with a handle made of modern materials.  The 8.64-centimeter Austrian stainless steel blade is stronger than most such knives and is easy to keep sharp.  A Tanto point is known for its ability to penetrate body armor, the blade is sufficiently sharp to deliver gaping slicing wounds. The Lan G-10’s handle is of G-10 scale finish, and is very easy to retain a grip on.  Opening action is known to be excellent and quick.  However, the adjustable pocket clip is of inferior metal and can get bent easily, not retaining it’s grip on a belt or pocket.  The G-10 of the handle also is a bit rough, and can wear some belts or pockets.  Full length of the Lan G-10 is 20.3 centimeters.