Innehållsförteckning för March - April 2020 från Knives Illustrated

Throughout this issue, you’ll read many opinions about what tactical means, or doesn’t. Regardless of the exact meaning of the word tactical, there’s one thing everyone agrees on — a tactical knife has to be reliable. That being said, everything else about tactical is pretty much wide open. All About Tactical In this issue, we’re covering tactical from top to bottom. Our cover story is about the Gripknife, a really cool AR-15 foregrip that instantly transitions into a tactical knife. It’s there in close quarters combat situations when you need it most. It’s revolutionary, and it’s innovative, and it’s the beginning of a new chapter for this kind of tactical weapon. We also have some really great knife reviews — blades that cover the tactical gamut, but that are all…

When it comes to tactical, the ZT, without a doubt, performs with high marks, but did you know that this exceptional knife also can be used for survival and outdoor tasks? Don’t be misled that a folder can’t do the same job as a fixed knife; the ZT 0223 is ready to debunk that myth when you head into Mother Nature’s backyard. From producing shavings from a small log for tinder, to breaking down freshly killed game, to cutting through tough cordage for tent supports, the ZT has what it takes when you’re away from the urban setting and heading into the backwoods. This ZT knife is ideal when camping, hiking, hunting, or when a manmade or natural disaster hits your area. Though it may take longer to clean the…

CAS BROTHERS Model: Bowie Blade Material: Damascus Blade Length: 14 inches Overall Length: 20 inches Handle Material: Stag horn, blued steel bolster and frame Website: CASKnives.com MICHAEL ZIEBA Model: S5 Mini Blade Material: M390 Blade Length: 3 inches Overall Length: 7 inches Handle Material: Titanium Pocket Clip: Timascus Website: ZiebaKnives.com ANDREW GEASLIN, GRUMPY CROW FORGE Model: Snakebite Kerambit Blade Material: 80CRV2 Blade Length: 1.75 inches Overall Length: 5.75 inches Handle Material: Thuya burl with bronze pins Instagram: @GrumpyCrowForge…

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is certainly fitting for those about to enter the knife world. After all, a new knife enthusiast has to navigate through a variety of things, including knife types, blade hardness, handle materials, mechanisms, coatings, blade shapes and more. To help you navigate your journey through blade types, we turned to Doug Flagg, CRKT’s vice president of marketing and innovation. “There’s certainly no lack of options in blade shapes,” says Flagg, who has been a key player in the knife industry for 25 years, including the last 15 with CRKT. “Thus, at first, it can seem like a lot to wade through; however, consumers don’t have to be overwhelmed.” The way you intend…

“WITH THAT BACKGROUND, IT’S NO WONDER HE UNDERSTANDS THE TRAITS OF A TACTICAL KNIFE.” I’d spent hours walking past rows of monotony at the 2017 Shenandoah Valley Knife Collectors Show. But the tactical fixed-blade knives on the table labeled Kluczynski Knifeworks — with their unique blade grinds, multiple shades of blade coatings, perfectly tapered tangs, variety of handle colors, beautifully form-fitted Kydex sheaths, and incredible fit and finish — were anything but boring. Impressed and intrigued, I introduced myself to the maker, Joseph Kluczynski. As we discussed his personal history, his knives, and his knife-making philosophy, I realized I’d discovered a hidden gem. 1 Background Joe Kluczynski served in the U.S. Army’s 7th Ranger Training Battalion. He then worked as a deputy sheriff in Maryland, a state trooper in…

You have heard the expression, “Keep it real.” Well, when it comes to an evaluation of the Grip-knife, no one can do that better than the badasses from Full Spectrum Warrior USA, a company that provides a number of training programs, including a comprehensive platform that you, regardless of experience, can use to develop a variety of skills that are suitable for real world self-defense applications. The company features Rich Graham, who served six years in the United States Navy, including four years as a member of SEAL Team 10. He wrapped up his career as an SDV-2. Michael Billings served six years in the United States Army as a combat engineer. Both have extensive experience in the combat arts. Graham’s resume includes Thai boxing, krav maga, kali, NAUKA, Filipino…

NORSEMAN: Blade Material: 1095 RC 56-58 Blade Length: 5.88 inches Overall Length: 11.50 inches Blade Thickness: 0.190 inch Blade Finish: Acid Rain Handle Material: Tan canvas/ green canvas Micarta Sheath Material: Coyote tan Kydex Weight: 10.1 ounces MSRP: $225 CRUSADER: Blade Material: 1095 RC 56-58 Blade Length: 3.63 inches Overall Length: 9.00 inches Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch Blade Finish: Acid Rain Handle Material: Tan canvas/ green canvas Micarta Sheath Material: Coyote tan Kydex Weight: 7.2 ounces MSRP: $210 PATRIOT: Blade Material: 1095 RC 56-58 Blade Length: 3.00 inches Overall Length: 6.75 inches Blade Thickness: 0.130 inch Blade Finish: Acid Rain Handle Material: Tan canvas/ green canvas Micarta Sheath Material: Coyote tan Kydex Weight: 2.4 ounces MSRP: $190…

I get asked this all the time, “What makes a good tactical knife?” The “tactical knife” category is as wide-open as any other knife category. What it really comes down to is who’s using the knife, and what you’ll be doing with it when you’re on The Edge of Survival. When you talk tactical knives, you’re usually talking military, and military folks do a several field tasks with knives. They set up defense positions, open boxes, work with supplies, and of course defend themselves if they need to. So, when it comes to tactical defense, heaven forbid the knife you depend on to defend yourself fails when you need it most. Blade Size To select a tactical knife, start by figuring out what you need to do, and what kind…

The first rule of using a knife for self-defense is, “Have a knife.” That may sound simple and obvious. But, if you’re like many people who carry knives for personal protection, you may not have completely thought through what it really takes to get a knife into action in response to an attack. The Situation To thoroughly understand it all, let’s break down the facts: If you’re going to use a knife as a defensive weapon, it’ll be in response to a close-range lethal threat. Your attacker will probably be armed with some kind of contact-distance weapon. And, he’ll use it to try to strike, cut, or puncture you. In those circumstances, a knife makes sense as a defensive weapon. If your assailant wants to be successful, odds are he’s…

Late in the summer of 2006, my partner, Officer Joel Marino, told me he had lost his knife and hadn’t been carrying one. After some friendly “discussion” about the merits of having a knife on duty, we went to a local retail store to find him a replacement. We found a Kershaw Scallion, bought it, and put it in his pocket. The next evening, our shift started like any other. Officer Marino placed his new Kershaw into his pocket and hit the streets. Later that night he drove to our garage to perform some maintenance on his cruiser. As he approached the garage, his headlights played across a tree in a neighboring park, illuminating what looked like someone standing next to the tree. Since the park was closed, he investigated,…

It was only a couple of decades ago that the word “tactical” became a marketing term in the knife community. Not unlike so-called survival knives, tactical blades are something of a muddy category. There is no set-in-stone definition to determine whether a knife is truly tactical or not, but more often than not there will be several features present that leave little doubt as to whether the term applies. Non-reflective finish: Most knives that are considered tactical have some sort of finish on the blade to limit or eliminate reflections or glare. High-traction handles: Tactical knives are intended for use in challenging environments, including cold and wet weather. In these situations, a highly grippy handle is important. Robust build: Any knife intended for use in stressful situations needs to be…

An old Nordic proverb states, “A knifeless man is a lifeless man.” Simply put, knives are viewed as essential for work and for providing for one’s family and well-being. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to Scandinavia on a couple of occasions. Each time, I toured the country and explored the backwoods to study the Nordic way of life and the rich history of bushcraft. During my trips, I observed many locals carrying small Scandi blades on their belts (sometimes two blades piggybacked) while employed as electricians, as farmers, and many other jobs in both urban and rural areas. One distinct blade easily identified in the hands of workmen everywhere is the puukko. Traditionally a blade of the Sami people, the puukko has become a shape easily recognized from the…

SCORPION Precision-machined from solid 440C stainless steel, the Scorpion Exo-Tool includes both a hook-style safety cutter and a glass breaker. Cloaked in a durable, non-reflective Cerakote finish, the Scorpion also makes an extremely potent “skull-crusher” impact weapon for those who carry knives with personal-defense in mind. SCARAB One of the most common mistakes people make with knives is trying to use them as pry tools or screwdrivers. More often than not, the result is a broken or chipped blade. The Scarab Exo-Tool module solves this problem by providing an on-board flat-blade screwdriver/pry tool. It is crafted from spring-tempered 440C stainless steel and has a black Cerakote coating. RECLUSE Many people prefer the low profile of deep-pocket carry; however, most “foldover” deep-pocket clips have must large holes to access the clip…