I recently reviewed the Hard Ready HR-1, a knife that I praised for being a very affordable defensive knife with a useable sheath and a trainer. The HR-1 is very affordable for a dedicated defensive knife but there is another more improvised option that beats even the HR-1 away on affordability… thanks to Engines of Mayhem.
Engines of Mayhem makes an array of items around the theme of ultra-affordable defensive knives including everything you need to start training with and carrying the now ubiquitous Victorinox Bird’s Beak Paring Knife that was largely popularized by Ed Calderon of Ed’s Manifesto. This includes modifications to the knife itself, inert trainers for the knife, and kydex sheaths.
Best of all, they do this more affordably than anyone else. After all, the low cost of procuring one of these knives is part of the entire point of the concept.
If you are interested in trying out the fruit knife “concept”, Engine of Mayhem makes it easy to dip your toes in the water. They offer just the pocket sheath for those who want to modify their own fruit knives all the way up to packages that include the knife, sheath, and a trainer. You can even order a separate sheath that fits just the trainer. All of these options are inexpensive.
I recently placed an order for the full kit (knife, trainer, and pocket sheath). I also requested a sheath for the trainer (it doesn’t fit the live blade sheath). They are made to order so it can take a couple of weeks to receive your order depending on timing but I am very pleased. I definitely recommend spending a little extra on the sheath for the trainer as drawing this knife is likely a little different than what you are used to.
EnginesofMayhem.com (redirects to Etsy shop)
