Archive | Knives

TOPS Knives Tahoma Field Knife

By Matt on December 14, 2013 in Knives, Preparedness, Survival

The TOPS Knives Tahoma Field Knife is the result of a collaboration between Andy Tran of Inner Bark and TOPS. If you are not familiar with Inner Bark, you should be. It is a tremendous source of survival related information and gear reviews.

The Tahoma Field Knife (TFK) is a large survival knife that is ground from 3/16″ 1095 steel with canvas micarta slab grips. It features a 7 5/16″ main cutting edge with a short back up cutting edge on the spine near the tip. This back up edge is there to serve as a last ditch cutting method should you find yourself unable to sharpen the main edge.

The TFK has a notch on the spine that can be used to score materials to create a weak point for breaking to save the edge of your knife. This is an extremely clever feature since saw back knives rarely work well. It appears that Andy and TOPS were able to get the only useful function of the saw back, notching, out of a much smaller section of notches. This leaves the spine of the knife clear and square which is advantageous for other tasks like striking a ferro rod or batoning.

The TFK has a host of other features like dual bow drill pivots on the handle slabs, 2 lanyard points (1 near the wrist on the thumb ramp, 1 on the butt of the grip), a large finger choil, and a pry tip at the butt of the grip. It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.

Check out the Tahoma Field Knife at TOPS Knives.

Mission Knives CSP-A2

By Matt on December 14, 2013 in Knives, Survival

I bought a Mission Knives MPK-A2 way back when Brigade Quartermaster (the 1st iteration) went out of business. I loved that knife thanks to its tough but easy to sharpen A2 steel blade, great cutting ability for a thick knife, and its ability to soak up all kinds of abuse. I sold it a while back and have regretted it ever since. I always have one eye open for a deal on a replacement which is why I recently came across the Mission Knives CSP.

The CSP, or Chance Sanders Professional, is a collaboration between Mission Knives and survival instructor Chance Sanders. The new knife is geared toward the survival market and designed to withstand hard use. To that end, it is ground from .25″ thick A2 steel which Mission Knives has a knack for making just about bomb-proof. The blade features a straight spine to ensure a strong tip and enough belly to be used for tasks like skinning game. The CSP has contoured G-10 handle slabs, aggressive jimping on the spine, and a black oxide finish. It comes with a kydex sheath.

There are currently a limited number of the prototypes available direct from Mission Knives.

Classic American Bushcraft Knives from Ontario Knife Company – Coming Spring 2014

By Matt on December 11, 2013 in Knives, Preparedness, Survival

Ontario Knife Company is one of the remnants of a time when America made incredibly well crafted tools right here on our soil. I always pay attention when they bring out something new. They recently shared this photo of some bushcraft classics that they will be releasing in Spring 2014.

The knife has a classic bushcraft shape with a spear point blade, small guard, slightly flared pommel, and relatively straight overall form. It certainly looks like a capable knife for a variety of tasks.

The machete is what really has my interest. A well executed machete is likely the most versatile survival tool in existance and Ontario Knife Company knows how to make a machete having made them for the US Military and commercial markets for many years. Their upcoming bushcraft machete has several desirable features including a cutting edge that comes nearly all the way to the handle, a sensible “bush machete” blade profile, a hooked pommel to aid in retention while chopping, and wood slab handles.

Check out Ontario Knife Company.

Ka-Bar Snody Collaboration Sneak Peek

By Matt on December 9, 2013 in Knives

Ka-Bar brought Mike Snody on board earlier this year to develop some new knives. We will see the firsts of those designs in 2014 including this knife (below) that Ka-Bar has been teasing on their Facebook Page.

Three Circle Knives Satori Tanto

By Matt on December 5, 2013 in EDC, Knives, Survival

The Satori Tanto from Three Circle Knives harkens back to the traditional Japanese tanto but brings some decidedly modern innovation to the age old design. The Satori Tanto is ground from 440C stainless steel and features a 6.5″ long American tanto shaped blade. The handle is wrapped with paracord in various colors. Each knife is Cerakoted in either satin silver, FDE, or black and comes with a Kydex sheath.

The cord for the handle wrap is retained by the Satori Tanto’s single guard and flared pommel. Both the guard and pommel are actually an integral part of the knife which is machined from a solid billet of steel. Integral designs are not necessarily new but I have never seen them used quite like this to retain a cord wrap.

The Satori Tanto is certainly a handsome knife with its long, graceful curve at the spine combined with the angular American tanto style edge and a design that manages to appear both traditional and modern at the same time. Check out the Satori Tanto at Three Circle Knives.

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