Meyerco's Dirk Pinkerton Paramecium Neck Knife- Review Inbound

The little Paramecium, like most Dirk Pinkerton knives, is good at being concealed, & looking cool, along with being around when you might not be carrying much else.

Full review on the way...

Jesse Takes on Peter Atwood's Poltergeist Tool.

Author's/Editor's note:  Jesse is in his last year of undergraduate school (6^th year!) at North Carolina State University, Majoring in Biological Engineering with a concentration in Environmental, & works for a GeoTechnical Engineering and Construction Testing Firm.

He has been a volunteer firefighter for 7 years & is also a state certified EMT Basic.  Jesse is a certified SCUBA diver; holding certs from NAUI in Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, and is also a qualified Rescue Diver.

He is an avid hiker, camper, kayaker, and sailor.  Jesse holds a lifetime license in the state of North Carolina to Hunt and Fish both Salt and Fresh Water.  Jesse also brews his own beer and plans on attending brew school after graduation.   Needless to say, he's got a lot of real world experience using knives & other tools.  (Aside from that, his life of work & play makes me seem downright boring! Jesse, along with Mitch, has also been helping me keep the SB&T Facebook page fresh-Aaron)

Photo found @ http://www.tygru.com/?p=484 mini Atwood Poltergeist, a shade smaller than Jesse's

     Peter Atwood, for those of you who aren’t familiar, is a knife and tool maker.  He occasionally makes knives, but currently seems to focus on small pocket/keychain type custom tools. 

I would consider the Poltergeist to be a medium sized tool; it is smaller than his popular prybaby but not as small as the mini version.  There are other tools he makes that are larger but it seems that most would fit in the palm of your hand.

     His work is quite sought after.  In fact, he no longer maintains his sale website and now simply updates a blog whenever he has made a run of something.  You simply have to check the blog at the right time to catch something for sale and order one before they sell out.  Unfortunately I don’t have the patience to check the blog everyday, waiting for weeks, or even months for a tool I am interested in to come up for sale… enter EBAY.  The downside of the ebay approach is, of course, cost.  While it seems this tool was sold for about $55 new, I paid about $100, the price of impatience.

   Now onto the specs: this tool has a pry-bar/screwdriver tip, a bottle opener which serves as a 5/16 inch wrench, a ¼ inch, and a ½ inch hex wrench.  The included card states that it is either made of CPM S35v steel or titanium.  Since the tool is magnetic, I will assume the former.  Let me say that I am in no way a steel expert.  I did a little bit of reading and it seems that this is a newer stainless steel that is in fairly common usage by companies such as Benchmade, CRKT, etc.  (Editor's note: Pretty much spot on, Crucible Particle Metallurgy makes this one in the USA, I believe, specifically for the knife industry. -ARL)

     Right now I have made a very simple para-cord lanyard for it and have just been dropping it in my pocket.  I have thought about putting it on my key ring, but it seems a bit large for that and I think it would limit its usefulness. 

     I have been in the process of moving this month and have so far used it to take apart some pieces of furniture and open some cold ones post-work.  In both tasks, its performance was stellar.

The other reason I bought it, and why I don’t want to put it on my keys, is its potential as a kubotan.  I am not an expert in martial arts but I have recently been getting interested in this style of self-defense and tactical pens.  Fortunately I have not had to use it in that capacity so far but I feel that it would function well in that sense. 

     It is a little shorter than would be ideal for limb manipulation but the sharpness and square edges of the pry-bar end allows some serious pain to be inflicted with very little effort, especially to the hands and abdomen of the assailant.  (Ed. note:  I agree, as an on-again, off-again martial arts practitioner. -A)  It could also be wielded in a hammer fist style to strike at the face.

     Overall I am quite happy with the tool. I look forward to future use of this unique tool and will continue to keep an eye on the Atwood blog for neat tools in the future.  I should also mention that this tool was a gift from my wonderful wife as a welcome back from a trip to California. 

The original Atwood site: http://www.atwoodknives.com/

The current Atwood blog: http://atwoodknives.blogspot.com/

Photo borrowed from Atwood's site.

SORRY

Been away...back soon.

Jason Brous Silent Soldier, a Quick Peek, & a word on preventing spots on D2 steel, & some cussing.

So, I got the Jason Brous Silent Soldier, & it is bad-ass indeed.  I've had a rough couple of weeks & can't find the will to write or do any serious work due to some bullshit....but this is none of your concern.  Rock out to Wormrot's "Freedom to Act", @ the intro, they're a killer grindey-sorta band from Singapore, & they rule shit, & you can download their new album for free @ Earache records.  I'm not a spokesperson, I just dig the shit, which is why I leave interested parties to find the link for the download themselves...Anyhoo....diggit.  Jason, "YOUNG METAL" Brous...no, nobody calls him that...but I just did, & if people were cool, they'd start calling Jason that also, because he's young, & does cool shit with steel.

photo borrowed from www.Brousblades.com 

See Jason's wares HERE.

A Quick Look; Meyerco + Hideout Blade Master Dirk Pinkerton=Affordable Awesomeness

Lonewolf Knives under Benchmade; Mountainside Drop Point 40031-100, quick look.

40031-100 Mountainside drop point, my first taste of Lone Wolf, under the Benchmade corporate umbrella.  Handles seem to be the same grade of walnut wood that De Asis & Co. are using on the new for 2011 Michael Waddell Bone Collector wood handle models.

If you're not as knife & knife industry obsessed as freaks like myself, you may have missed that Benchmade Knives, of Oregon City, OR has acquired their Oregon neighbor, Lone Wolf Knives.  They have some beautiful stuff lined up for 2011 and beyond, including their revamped versions of Lone Wolf's "Paul" axial folding knives designed by the great Paul Poehlmann, which were originally manufactured by Gerber, back when Gerber Blades truly were legendary, long before Fiskars began to drive the company down the Chinese-made junk path in the early 1990s.  Benchmade's new Paul knives look amazing, & I can't wait to get my hands on at least 2 of the models offered for 2011.  Right as i was flying over the Pacific ocean to stand with my best amigo as he married his lovely wife, the Lone Wolf Mountainside Drop Point fixed blade was arriving at my door.  I'm impressed so far, for a knife which barely set me back a bit more than $50 usd including shipping from Roger Claunch's excellent knifeworks.com, in Louisiana.

Benchmade's take on Lone Wol'fs Paul Axial designs, just 2 variations, of one of several models, pic courtesy knifecenter.com

the Mountainside, with my paracordguy.com lanyard, apparently Benchmade has FINALLY listed the steel as N860, known for its affordability & corrosion resistance

Mountainside Drop Point QuickSpecs:

• Blade Length: 4.23"
• Overall Length: 7.97"
• Blade Steel: N860 Stainless Steel
• Weight (with sheath): 5.5 oz.
• Sheath: Leather
• Made in USA

This basic, classy little fixed knife just got unboxed late last night, but look for updates, and a short video on the way...& take a look at Benchmade's new Lone Wolf offerings.  they are NOT, as some on forums initially suggested, foreign made.  To the best of my knowledge all of Lone Wolf's offerings, with Les De Asis' Benchmade at the helm, will be made in the USA, and so far, from my short time with the Mountainside, it certainly appears that Benchmade is taking the classic brand down a solid path.  More to come....

 Update: I should also note that the Paul knives discussed & pictured above are being marketed as part of Benchmade's "Blue Box", every day knife line, they will sport the Benchmade butterfly logo, and not the Lone Wolf triangle logo

April 18, 2011 2:47 AM

A Look At The New CRKT Ken Onion 'Unusual' Skinner Knife

           Here I take a look at the new for 2011 CRKT Ken Onion Skinner. It caught my eye @ a local shop & I had to get it.  It can likely be found most-everywhere for under $50 USD.  The printing on the box calls it the "Onion Unusual Hunter", though you'll see it marketed more commonly simply as the "Onion Skinner". Hawaiian knife-making legend Ken Onion supposedly passed prototypes of this design around to various professional hunters, guides & outdoors-people for 5 full years before "perfecting" the design you see in my hands in this video.  (At one point, in regards to "knife names", I incorrectly make reference to "Kershaw", but after Onion's association with Kershaw for so many years, who wouldn't be tempted to accidentally say "Kershaw" instead of "CRKT"?)  There's even a video on the CRKT website where Ken Onion is talking about one of his new CRKT knifes and he says "Ker...uh.. CRKT".  Interesting. Seems as though Knife People, including Mr. Onion himself, have come to verbally associate his name with "Kershaw" knives, though that chapter is closed, & he is now partnered with Columbia River Knife & Tool in Wilsonville, OR, USA.

Technical Specs:
*Onion Skinner
*K700KXP: Razor-Sharp (Plain Edged) Cutting Edge
*Blade: Length: 3.75" (95 mm)
*Thickness: 0.142" (3.6 mm)
*Steel: Bohler K110 Tool Steel, 58-60 HRC (Rockwell Steel Hardness Scale)
*Knife: Overall length: 8.00" (203 mm)
*Handle length: 4.375" (111 mm)
*Weight: 3.7 oz. (105 g)
*Made in Taiwan*
----------------------------------
*Onion Skinner Sheath
*Overall length: 6.75" (171 mm)
*Width: 4.00" (102 mm)
*Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g)
*Made in Taiwan*

-Video Intro music is: "Forgive Us Our Trespasses", by A Storm of Light, on Neurot Recordings http://www.neurotrecordings.com/
-Video Outro chant music is from Alejandro Jodorowsky's brilliant 1973 film "The Holy Mountain" or "La Montana Sagrada"

The Tops/Despins Back Bite, a Purpose-Built Fighting Knife on a Whole New Level

The Back Bite hanging out with my Lanyard Zone pewter glow skull.

     Regarding the state of the modern tactical knife industry in 2011; it seems that many martial-skills based knife designers are a lot of BARK and not much BITE.  The martial-skills based knife designer, in general, talks big & barks loudly about his SpecOps experience, & all of the dangerous hot zones he's survived in his storied career as a certified bad-ass.  If his design is produced by a factory knife company, they whip up some whimsically awesome advertising copy trying to suck you in, & give you tons of reasons why your life is neither safe, nor complete, without this precision-made killing machine.

     The martial skills based designer's knife brags about its hi-tech materials, & exaggerated indestructibility, & why You, the awestruck knife fan, should pay your hard earned money for it.  What I mean by "martial skills based" is, the knife designer that has a primary professional background in military tactics, martial arts or close quarters combat etc, but who is not necessarily a knife-maker him or herself.
     You know them, you see them all over the web, some are legit, some are lesser known, and many are just blowing smoke up your ass-hatch.  All BARK, big talk, but no proof of effectiveness or actual credentials.

     If you're just now hearing about a fellow named Colin Despins, know that you'll continue to see his work in the tactical gear & knife industry for a long time to come.  Despins is somebody I would definitely consider a martial-skills based knife designer.  Colin Despins has studied martial arts his entire life, & is a devoted knife collector, & end-user in his own right.  He has extensive experience in professional Close Protection/Bodyguard work, as well as real-world experience in competitive intelligence, (aka: "****" edited per request).  Despins' work in these intense fields has taken him all over, but he has spent a significant amount of time in Israel, where he had the opportunity to work in a number of  fields.  Despins is personable, honest & armed with a great sense of humor.  Throughout various email/FB message conversations I found Despins to be incredibly straight forward both verbally, and also in typed text.  He's done a lot of cool stuff, both in his professional life, and personal life, but does not come off as somebody who feels the need to brag or talk about himself.  Have I become acquainted with the rare martial skill-set knife designer who can certainly walk the walk?  I think so!

     Colin has trained in a ton of different martial arts disciplines, but there is one that changed his life, and his way of looking at, & thinking about combat & personal defense forever.  Russian Martial Art.  Hard to explain, difficult to teach & obtuse in its approach to all aspects of training. Russian Martial Art could be described as a holistic combat system encompassing aspects of mind, body & soul working together to transform the practitioner's body into an adaptable combat chameleon, ready to engage any challenger, & switch gears on the fly while thinking, fighting, & moving creatively.  Despins was first exposed to Russian Martial Art through a chance encounter at the gym, with a man who would eventually become his mentor, trainer & friend.

Despins demonstrating the alternative, sabre grip with his Back Bite.  Photo courtesy of Tops knives, Idaho, USA

  As I was studying the Back Bite, I looked at various sites dedicated to RMA, I found a very interesting interview with Mr. Vladimir Vasiliev.  Vasiliev's name is one of those that is famous in the cultural sphere of martial arts in general, not just Russian arts, specifically over the past 20-some years.  I remember hearing about Systema ("The System", essentially another synonym for RMA) as a kid back when I was in Taekwondo.  I used to trade knowledge and books & magazines with my fellow students, hoping to absorb as much martial arts knowledge as we could.  Bear in mind this was the early 1990's, early enough that it was rare to have daily access to a computer, & before internet use was common among the masses.  We used to stay after class & exchange dog-eared copies of magazines like Inside Kung-Fu & Black Belt Magazine, hoping to supplement our growing knowledge of sport TKD with anything we could find that would make us more knowledgeable, or make it sound like we knew what we were talking about at our tender ages of 13-16!  I remember picking up on various articles about Russian arts & thinking it was too cool that these guys often just trained in fatigues or more-or-less "regular" sports clothing, instead of being bound to the traditional white "dobok" or gi that we wore.
  

The Back Bite with my newest "bright" item, the awesome Surefire G2X Tactical LED light, a formidable pair of tools indeed!

Tops outfits Colin's menacing knife with a very secure Kydex sheath.

      Anyhow, as I was mulling over the phone conversation I had with Despins, I found a great interview on Vasiliev's own site, with Mr. Vasiliev himself from back in 2004; conducted by a Mark Hemels, for Meibukan Magazine #3.
     Here's just a quick excerpt:  "Why do you find the Russian System more effective than, for instance, karate in real combat practice?"
"The Russian System is more mobile. You can be ready instantly. There are no forms or patterns that you have to prepare yourself with. In the Russian System I learned how to move, and not so much the actual techniques. Techniques are learned step by step, by way of certain patterns, and then it becomes a style. The Russian System focuses more on how to move."

     I felt that this sort of helped define Russian Martial Arts, in my head.  As Despins had told me, it's a somewhat difficult art to define, and an even harder art to teach.  For a deeper look at Vasiliev's Toronto RMA school, & more on Russian Arts in general, start with the rest of the interview quoted above.  It was enlightening, and gave me a bit more perspective on Colin's design influence for the Back Bite itself.  Vasiliev, being one of THE most prominent names in Russian fighting arts today, had some high praise for Despins' design, which is strongly influenced by his own years of experience training in RMA.

Upon reviewing the Tops/Despins Back Bite knife, Vasiliev replied to an email from Despins with the following;

 "(The) Back Bite is a very unique blade. Due to the creative shape and feel, this knife provides new possibilities of applying it in a confrontation. It gives more variety of knife movements and work. A great addition to anyone’s knife collection."    -Vladimir Vasiliev, Chief instructor - Systema Headquarters, Toronto

     The above statement speaks volumes, in my mind, to the potential of the Back Bite, not only in Russian fighting arts, but in pretty much any other style.  I spent a couple of years having trained in Filipino Martial Arts, & based on my limited knowledge I shudder to imagine the damage a trained Kali/Eskrima practitioner could do to an assailant with the Back Bite.  Despins has written that it is not his intent for his design to be exclusive to Russian Martial Art, & in fact, I have already heard plenty of people with non-RMA backgrounds comment on the knife's smart design & comfortable ergonomics.

the engraving on the "flat" side of the blade.

    Every time I look at, or handle the Back Bite, certain phrases enter my mind "outside the box", "20 years ahead of its time", "unique", & "unlike anything else".  Those are still common thought-streams when I handle the knife!  It almost feels as though this knife came from a warrior society from another time-frame, or dimension.  Sounds corny, but get your mitts on one of these & you'll know what I mean.  Perhaps it's because of the Russian Martial Art influence?  One thing I do know, is that after lots of online reading, and a long conversation with Despins about his knife design, I understand the concept, & I'm getting a feel for its RMA influences, yet I still have a hard time explaining it in simple terms!  Could it be that RMA is so esoteric, so forward-thinking & so holistic that examining a purpose built knife based upon its foundations is just plain tricky?  Usually when a knife design finds me at a loss for words, I know I'm holding something special. 

     As far as what I consider the conceptual "Meat & Potatoes" of this knife, let me quote Colin Despins in a piece he wrote earlier this year, on his own website, MaxVenom.com.

   The following sentences were the ones that sort of "brought it home" for me, in regards to Despins' intent with the final product that is the Back Bite fixed blade knife:

Despins says:  "The Russian system of hand to hand combat includes notably ellipse like striking "patterns" that enable any point of contact from any angle or trajectory to be utilized to devastating effect. This allows for a near unlimited array with which to engage any and all targets of opportunity. In no case is Russian Martial Art blade craft limited to inflicting damage upon the adversary through application of the edged implement alone.  

The Back Bite is enabled for this purpose by the concave strike face (edge out) section of the blade. This blade section allows the operator to strike the target with the fist when gripped in the blade down concave edge forward (RGEO, primary) configuration. The strike in turn draws the concave strike face section blade over the surface area of the strike creating a devastating wound in the process."

     So, simply put, the "home", or primary grip is reverse grip (the knife in your fist with the tip pointing at the floor), with the concave, curved edge facing out toward your attacker.  This makes sense, and the knife is certainly very comfortable in this position, but the Back Bite feels good in more traditional grip styles as well.  There is an odd, natural feeling of balance when you hold the knife in your hand in any grip, surprising considering there is really not a single thing about this knife that could be considered "symmetrical" or "traditional"!

a close view of what some have called the "unsharpened chisel" blunt force portion of the Back Bite blade

     Essentially, a sharp edge on either side enables the user to use their own arm-retraction momentum to facilitate a second strike as their fist & arm travels back toward their own body.  This would be where the highly logical moniker for this design comes from, it "bites forward", as well as "biting back", as in, on the way back in.  There's the straight Wharncliffe style edge, and the concave strike face on the other side.  Despins notes in his own description of his design that that "straight" back edge can be utilized for inflicting damage using various trapping methods as well.  What I have come to view as the knife blade's "third surface", is a flat chisel-like edge.  This "flat" edge is intended to add blunt force to a strike, and also aids in overall tip strength, and penetration qualities, lending itself to creating a very nasty wound channel to the unlucky bad-guy who finds himself facing off against a victim who is toting the Back Bite!

     The design is meant to be a "Purpose Built Fighting Knife", based on these manifold martial principles, but there's nothing stopping a Back Bite owner from performing general utility tasks with the thick blade.  I could possibly see a soldier carrying it as a "backup" type weapon, and also using it for the occasional prying task that would damage a smaller knife, or a folding one.  This is one burly piece of steel, 1095 carbon steel to be more precise, a time-tested classic that seems happiest when it is used to make hard-use fixed blades, like camp knives & fighters!

     So, regardless of your preferred martial style, be it Russian, Filipino, or any other art that is creative & adaptable, if you have some martial arts training, chances are you'll immediately see this knife's potential.  I should note that on the truly edged surfaces of this knife, that the "flat" reverse side is actually sharpened as well.  Tops took great care to grind a very thin, straight bevel on what could be called the "flat" side of the knife, or the side with the logo & engraving.  (I noted in my video preview of this knife that personally, I've typically found "chisel ground" knives like the Emerson CQC-7 etc, to cut better if I drag a fine ceramic rod across the flat back of the blade, then strop (basically 'wiping' the knife with some pressure toward the edge) the knife on cloth or my old disused wide leather belt that serves as my "ghetto" knife strop.)    

     I assume that this was A) part of Colin's original design, or B) something Tops decided on during manufacture, either way, putting a small grind-line on the flat side of the sharpened areas definitely lends itself to easier re-sharpening, and in-my-opinion, helps a chisel-like knife cut more smoothly.

the Back Bite, ready for action in my fat hand.

"Spec-Ops trust Tops", Aaron trusts Tops as well!  Seriously, this is a really unique piece of well made combat steel.

     Speaking of edges, and cutting, and all of that fantastic stuff which makes a knife a knife, the Back Bite arrived right on the cusp of 'shaving sharp'.  It was sharp enough on both the concave face, and the straight-line back edge to send some arm-hairs flying.  It wasn't a total hair-annihilating razor, but certainly more than adequately sharp!   This knife, in theoretical mortal use, seems to rely on angles, and the strength & speed of the person working with it, if the knife had come much sharper, it might almost be overkill.  I thought to myself, "it's damn sharp, but by God, it's a fighter! I'm going to see if I can make it obscenely sharp!".

       For simple "touch-up" sharpening, or putting sort of a nastier edge on certain knives when brand-new, I'm a fan of ceramic "dogbone" style rod sharpeners.  You can generally find them in different grits & configurations from several different companies, usually well under $10 USD.  They really aren't ideal for sharpening many knives, but they've become an essential part of my maintenance-sharpening arsenal.  So, disclaimer; just because one style of stone or hone works for me, doesn't mean it'll work for you.

       I usually encourage people to try various sharpening methods & practice on old kitchen knives or Swiss Army style knives until you are comfortable touching up pricier knives that you value more.  Anyhow, as I said, the knife came very sharp, no mean feat for a hunk of steel as thick as this, but using very mild pressure & a steady hand, I managed just a couple of slides with my ceramic across that thin bevels on the flat side of the knife, this was enough to give the blade even more kick.  I stopped at that point, thinking that "there's no way such a crazy-looking knife needs to be really any sharper", it's all about geometry, & I'm confident that the Back Bite could inflict some really awful cuts & pokes even if somebody dulled the factory edge considerably.  Sharp enough is sharp enough!

the heavy-duty spring steel clip integrated into the sheath design is rotatable 360 degrees!

     Here's a peek at the technical side of things: 
O/A Length: 8 1/2"
Top Blade Length: 3"
Bottom Blade Length: 1"
Thickness: 3/16"
Steel: 1095 High Carbon Steel RC (Rockwell-Scale Hardness Rating) 56-58
Handle: Black Linen Micarta
Blade Color: Black Traction Coating
Sheath: Kydex
Weight w/o Sheath: 5.5oz
Weight w/ Sheath: 7oz
Designed by: C. Despins

a shiny close-up of the sharp concave strike face

     I carried the Back Bite extensively across eight or ten weeks, very pleasantly surprised by its adaptability, and discreteness.  A spring steel clip is bolted to the inner side of the sheath, with a large rubber o-ring between the two.  You can rotate the knife, secured in the sheath any way you want, I wore it horizontally on my front right side under all manner of clothing.  I'm one of those "shorts year round" guys, I wear cargo shorts or khaki shorts as often, if not more than I wear long pants.  I wear 5.11's TDU belts, which are some of the best fitting, toughest belts I think I have ever worn.  I simply rotated the clip until it was at basically a right-angle to the horizontal sheath, clipped it onto my TDU belt, and forgot about it.  Same ease of use & carry whether shorts or pants, I even carried it the pocket of a ratty old pair of sweats for a quick trip to the grocery store late one night.
     None of my friends or family ever noticed the edged demon riding on my hip, even when my jacket rode up a few times or I twisted & my shirt became pulled up over the sheath.  I guess it's just a matter of, in some cases, being hidden in plain sight!  Whether the knife was hidden under a t-shirt, a light jacket, a hooded sweatshirt or windbreaker, the knife didn't "print", or (show its shape through clothing) very much, if at all!  Like nearly all Kydex-sheathed fixed blades, all it takes to unleash this little devil is a firm grasp of the handle, and a short push against the top of the sheath with your thumb.  I was able to deploy the knife with my dominant hand, as well as my weak hand, very easily from a number of different locations & positions.  I wore the knife at all manner of angles on both sides & had no problems freeing the knife for potential use, very quickly.

the Kydex sheath locks the knife in with a solid "click"! Audible feedback is something I value when inserting a knife into its safe place!  This is a great sheath system.

     Tops Knives did a great job executing this design.  Some manufacturers would probably take one look at the complex blade geometry & run away crying...but not Mike Fuller & his crew at Tops Knives in Idaho.  These guys have a long & always growing reputation for crafting hardcore, hard use knives in their own basic, bomb-proof style.  I kid you not, when I hear phrases like "tactical fixed blade" a black Tops knife, often their Steel Eagle, or a similar large fixed blade pops into my mind.  Maybe I'm a sucker for advertising, but somewhere across the years, in my odd, slightly atypical brain, Tops has become synonymous with big, burly fixed blade tactical knives!

     Despins gave the knife a nice handle length, likely with the intent of accommodating multiple grip styles.  The attractively patterned micarta handle is just under 4.5 inches, the perfect length for an average adult fist, at least, an adult man's fist.  I have fairly large hands & the Back Bite was comfortable for me in every conceivable grip.  I do think the knife would be comfortable in many womens' hands as well.  I showed it to one female friend who called it "sexy" and also commented that she liked the slightly thinner handle profile.  If I had to guess I'd say that the handle was designed to maximize maneuverability in a wide range of hand sizes.  There's no clumsy or overly-beefy handling here, just pure finesse, especially if you have even a small bit of stick or knife training!  I was impressed too with another small detail; in any grip, even in my big hands, there was enough of the handle-butt sticking out to act as an impact tool, just expanding your defense options that much further!  

Tops likes to use micarta for its durability, grip performance, and solid good looks.
 http://www.topsknives.com/

      Across my review process & showing various people the Back Bite, including posting photos on the Sharp Bright & Tactical Facebook page, it became apparent that the Back Bite's unconventional design appeals to a wide cross section of "knife people", including those who don't have any formal martial arts or knife training.  It's unique enough that I could see avid collectors & Tops knives fans picking one up simply to have as a unique part of their tactical knife arsenal.  It's certainly cemented its spot among my own collection, and made a permanent impression on me.  It's impressive as an unconventional facet of my collection, as well as being a knife that I know could help keep me safe in a really terrible area where I felt threatened.

here you can see the thin red spacers give the knife a bit more visual "pop!"

     I often speak about the ability of select, certain knives to give the carrier a boosted feeling of competency or confidence.  There are simply a few knives out there, whether fixed or folding, which imbue the user with this feeling.  I'm not talking a cocky "hey man...I got a knife!" type attitude, just a quiet feeling of having a silent partner with you, along for the ride, in a pocket, or on a belt.  This knife certainly gives off that feeling when I carry it around with me.

     At its heart, the Back Bite is an earnestly designed weapon fit for various practitioners of a number of martial arts styles.  Tops has done a great job of making Colin's idea come to life in 1095 & micarta.  This illustrates one of the key things I love about knives, particularly high-end tactical pieces; makers & factory operations start with fairly simple materials, & craft them into something infinitely creative, useful or aesthetically pleasing.  This knife is certainly all three.  Despite the potential complexity surrounding facets of the Back Bite's design & use, at the end of the day, it's a finely crafted weapon in a very simple & effective carry system.

For additional info, contact Despins' MaxVenom Product Group or Tops Knives.com

Damn!!!

the Back Bite's flat logo side, with the knife resting atop my Para-cord Guy OD Survival Bracelet http://www.theparacordguy.com/

Next Level, seriously dudes...look at that!
 http://www.maxvenom.com/

A 2nd Look at the 888 Professional Survivit Tool, Tiny yet Mighty

Plenty of reviews have been done on the Triple Eight Professional line, but I wanted to give my 2 cents on one of my favorites.  I sort of feel that many of us knife/tactical gear collector people have missed out on Triple Eight's designs.  I've reviewed both the SOL and the Wright Knife, and they're both really cool, but I feel that this tool (the Survivit, formerly folding CopTool) offers a little bit more in the way of utility & versatility.  Either way, I'm a big fan of these little knives, and stoked to see what the future holds for 888 Professional.  Take a look.  HD camera coming soon, I'm settling into my video groove, thanks for your ongoing patience with me, I'm a writer first!
;P

Upcoming....Coming up....Whatever, new stuff inbound.

Colin Despins put lots of thought into this unique knife manufactured by TOPS Knives.

      I gotta apologize for another big gap in regular posts.  I've never been a daily-poster kinda guy, I'd rather post a few things and do them right, than rush them and give readers more to look at.  Even when I'm most active, about a post per week is often the most I can handle, seeing as I'm the sole writer around here at the moment.  Anyhow, apologies for the delay, new stuff is on the way.  I'll give the lowdown of the TOPS Knives & Colin Despins Back Bite, a Purpose Built Fighting Knife inspired by Despins' lifelong martial arts experience, and especially the martial art that changed how he thought about combat...Russian Martial Art.  It's a fantastic knife, I've done a quick video preview, but I'm in the process of finishing up a detailed written piece after having a chance to talk to Despins 1 on 1.  Cool guy, cool knife!

This bad mamma-jamma retails for only $55 bones, and it's DAMN-BRIGHT!  Boy Howdy!

      Dang, I'm really impressed with Surefire's new G2X Tactical.  Inexpensive, and it throws a crazy bright beam that stabs through the darkness like Despins' Back Bite stabs through bad-guys!  Made in the USA from domestic & foreign components, it still qualifies as American Made, under the "Buy American" Act.  The G2X Tactical is a class-act.  Sort of a hybrid, a 200 lumen LED housed in an aluminum bezel/head, with a "Nitrolon" body like Surefire's original G2 and G2Z lights.  Impressive.

888 Professional's Survivit Tool is just plain awesome, pictured next to a Lifegear floating 12 lumen LED flashlight that has more features than you can count on one hand.

     I don't want anybody who hasn't played with a Triple Eight Professional knife to forget about these little gems.  They're perfect for carrying just about anywhere, as they're tiny, yet very mighty, and each model is a slick piece of engineering.  Video & written review on the way.  Pictured attached to my Lanyard Zone Skull Cobra lanyard that I've had forever.  Thanks for bearing with me, while life flips, flops and f*cks with my head.  There's always something in the works...I'm just not always super-quick to get it up here.
Thanks
-Aaron

I Heart the Izula, from ESEE Knives

from top; Izula II with micarta handle slabs and an extra half inch of handle length, orange ltd. ed. Izula, and basic black Izula

Bullet ants rule! An appropriate namesake for such a small, yet powerful & adaptable knife

My Izula pile, sans green & tan.  I'm ready to go outside!

           I sometimes get a little compulsive, well...maybe a little obsessive too.  I have an original Tan colored Izula, from back when Esee Knives was RAT Cutlery.  I also have an Esee Izula in Green, which is cool.  My 3rd Izula was the black one you see here.  I received the micarta-clad Izula II as a gift this past holiday season, & of course, the Safety Orange Izula was a no-brainer, introduced as a knifeworks.com exclusive.  I've also seen a cement gray Izula around, but at this point, I think I pretty much have the whole "hard-use, skeletonized neck knife" thing covered pretty well.  I've found I don't need the "survival kit" that comes as a fairly pricey add-on option to these knives.  I'm happy to throw any of these on a ball-chain, or light cord with a cordlock, around my neck.  They're simple, tough as nails, and depending on where you shop, very reasonably priced, especially if you forgo the survival kit option.  1095 is a great steel, very adaptable to almost any task, it sharpens up easy on pretty much whatever you have on hand.  Forgot your ceramic sharpening kit or pocket diamond hone on a camping trip?  Use the textured ring on the bottom of your ceramic coffee mug.  One of my favorite improv-sharpening techniques!  1095 is one of those steels that can take an edge with this sort of MacGyver-ism.

     The skeleton-style basic Izula weighs barely 2 oz. & includes a polymer (pretty much injection molded plastic) sheath.  It's not Kydex, but it sure retains the knife well, each knife snaps in solid, and Esee's tolerances are so tight, that each Izula, regardless of handle style, is 100% interchangeable with the sheath of any of its counterparts.  I like the simplicity, first and foremost; tough sheath with a fail-proof fit, good strong carbon tool steel which sharpens up like a dream, and a total lack of "bells & whistles" (as long as you get the basic kit, without all the survival stuff).  That being said, the survival kit options are pretty cool, you get a bunch of little nicknacks to round out your personal survival kit; a MOLLE lock, paracord, ferro fire rod, hardware and a whistle, among other cool stuff.

This is what you get when you pay for the survival kit option, some neat little odds & ends, I just already have most of this stuff, so I personally don't need it.

          My original tan Izula is numbered 0144, from RAT (Randall's Adventure Training) Cutlery's original run back in, I believe 2008, I ordered it around the Holiday season that year.  I liked it immediately, and it quickly found a place around my neck, or in a jacket pocket, performing daily tasks normally suited for my right-front pocket folder, which varies day-to-day.  Rowen Manufacturing is Esee's manufacturing partner, and they craft excellent stuff.  It's safe to say if Rowen ever wanted to produce a knife line under their own name, they'd have a ready-made fanbase, as their name is on every fixed blade Esee knife, and I understand they have collaborated with Idaho's TOPS Knives (an excellent company as well) on occasion.  Lion Steel, Italy's king of big, burly custom-quality folding knives, is producing the Esee folding HEST DPx knife, a folding variation of the Esee/Robert Young Pelton knife.  I still haven't held one, but I know there are lots of us wanting to get our hands on one, it's safe to say it's going to be a beast.  Esee is also working on a folding variation of the Izula, with Lion Steel at the helm, that's another knife I'm looking forward to!

     It seems the mighty little Izula fixed blade knives are thought of, primarily as outdoor knives.  They seem to fill the role well, and eagerly keep on going under hard use.  That's one of the neat things about Jeff Randall, Mike Perrin & Co., they are survivalists & outdoorsmen first, all of their knife designs come from the fact that these men are walking survival technique encyclopedias who put performance first in their knives, never worrying about trends like fashionable blade styles, or buzzword super-steels.  I don't specifically carry knives as weapons, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about those "what if?" moments.  How would my carry-choice on a given day affect the outcome of a random attack or confrontation perpetrated by a random, violent individual?  Would my past martial arts experience help me at all, or am I too out of shape ?  Has it been too long?  Those questions aside, & the fact that the Izula is an outstanding little camp blade aside as well...I'm convinced that if called upon, in properly trained hands, or the hands of somebody defending life & limb while running on adrenaline, that the Izula could operate as an excellent force equalizer, after all, they say the best weapon is the one you have with you when you need it.  I guess that's why I appreciate this simple design so much, it's so rudimentary, so basic, but that's the beauty, and the reason it can fill so many different knife roles, it's a knife capable of being what you need it to be.  It's adaptable to nearly any situation.

"Escuela" being school, Esee is an acronym for "School of Survival, Escape & Evasion"

Formerly RAT, for Randall's Adventure Training, namesake of founder, Jeff Randall

The Izula II is a bit heavier, because of the micarta handles, but only .5 inches longer, it's still within my acceptable range to wear as a neck knife.  It can even be thrown in a pocket comfortably.
 

More info @ Eseeknives.com

Sniper Bladeworks LPC Folder

"I was joking with a buddy that this LPC knife is built like a tank made out of bricks, or conversely, a brick made out of tanks, if you prefer."

this thing is a monster, as close to indestructible as I've ever felt on any knife, this LPC is BADASS!

 Sniper Bladeworks is fast becoming a name in the tactical gear community that is synonymous with custom tactical folding knives that are not only works of art, but tools meant to take a serious beating.  I started hearing about what Sniper Bladeworks does a few years ago, and have kept my ear to the ground ever since.  This innovative project is a result of the combined talents of Lance Abernathy, and Mr. Jody Muller.  These men have been collaborating since 2006, though Sniper Bladeworks wasn't officially launched until 2009.  Abernathy uses experience from his long and varied professional career in Law Enforcement to design these fantastic knives, and Muller's lifetime of work as a knife-maker, jeweler and engraver bring Sniper's blades to life.  These knives indeed do feel alive, I don't mean that in some esoteric, 'New-Age' sort of way either.

             Since the Tactical Folder market really exploded in the 1990's, we've seen so many knives that not only come off an assembly line, but simply have the boring look and feel of clones.  After the novelty & excitement of buying a new knife wears off, we're left with a tool that's about as exciting as any other tool, a hammer, a saw, a screwdriver, etc.  For example, your buddy buys the "XX" model from a certain knife company, you like it enough to buy yourself one, they are identical, from the same factory, plain & simple.  It doesn't matter whether said company makes great knives or not, it does not matter where in the world they're made, you and your friend are now the proud owners of a knife that 100,000 (or far more) other guys around the world own.  Get it?

           Sniper Bladeworks knives have personality, attitude, and are seriously capable of accepting the kind of use and abuse that only soldiers, firemen, cops and other LE and Safety professionals can dish out.  They feel very much alive, from the smooth action, to the solid lockup, and distinctive looks.  Many of their knives feature a hamon, or temper line, as seen on authentic Japanese swords, where traditionally, a sort of clay mud is applied to a blade's edge in a beautiful pattern, that ends up hardening the cutting edge at a different rate than the blade's spine as the blade is quenched.  That's the term, "differential tempering".  This process is an art in itself, within the fine art of knife-making.  I'm impressed that a difficult process normally reserved for costly modern versions of what is arguably the most beautiful ancient weapon (the samurai sword), has been applied to the modern tactical folding knife.  It's just one more aspect that brings "life" to the feel of these unique knives.

          Sniper Bladeworks is a true custom operation, with each knife given the care and attention that you would expect if you had ordered a custom automobile or motorcycle.  Regular readers know that I get excited about knives in general, but that it takes really superb stuff to impress me on a truly deeper level.  I tend to focus on outstanding products here in general, regardless of price range, that's just the type of stuff I buy.  But I have to say, as far as tactical folders go, these guys take it to a whole new level.  I'll admit I've flung around terms like "bomb proof" before, in reviews, usually in reference to knives which truly feel that way.  But SERIOUSLY, as far as folding knives go, I think the LPC that I got to spend some time with is very likely, nearly bomb-proof.

the reverse side showcases the big burly Ti framelock

          This version of the LPC (Lance Personal Carry), actually started life being carried by Lance Abernathy himself, and has been passed onto various people and publications for demonstration purposes.  After my 4 weeks or so, handling & carrying it, it has evidently landed at one of the premier printed knife magazines that probably indirectly inspired Sharp Bright & Tactical!  Colin Despins, martial artist and knife designer is the guy behind the Tops Knives Back Bite (see my previous youtube video post).  Colin and myself started chatting on Facebook about knives, martial arts, and life in general, but especially knives.  Somewhere along the way, he mentioned that he was in possession of a Sniper Bladeworks folder that was available for pass-around.  Needless to say I jumped at the chance to check out one of these folders I'd been hearing about for years now.
       When the LPC arrived in the mail, I was impressed immediately as I unwrapped the knife.  Despite the fact that it had obviously been carried and used quite a bit, there were no signs of mechanical wear, or use-altered function of any kind.  Despins had re-honed the blade to a frightening sharpness before sending it out, the type of elusive sharpness that makes your arm hairs seems to jump out of the way before the knife even makes contact with them.  That sharpness was to last long into my use of this beastly knife.  Even after a daily regimen of breaking down recycling, opening mail, and just cutting various materials, the thick edge stayed very sharp.  I eventually touched up the edge on a fine white ceramic rod, using moderate pressure, but this thing stayed sharp for an impressive length of time.  I was struck by the Gun Kote type hard coating, as you can see it's pretty much a woodland digital camo, like ACU, but richer, and darker.  Even in spots where the blade has obviously seen more use and abuse, the coating is still very much intact.  Sniper Bladeworks uses a handful of different steels, but one you'll commonly find, that has a proven track record for hard use, is 1095, a carbon tool steel.

I believe the blade length on this one is just a bit over 4 inches, though SBW's work varies, they can do  orders to fit your specific needs, and I have seen Sniper Bladeworks knives online with widely varied blade lengths and styles.

           Abernathy's design philosophy for the LPC goes something like this; "The LPC (AKA Lance Personal Carry) was a designed to incorporate more combat oriented features into a knife of slightly larger physical dimension. The LPC features a modified drop point blade, an incredibly ergonomic handle including a canted handle to blade geometry that makes the LPC ideal for thrust and snap cut style defense actions."


Cool!  This LPC has a Titanium framelock, though the LPC knives are available with a slightly more traditional linerlock as well.  There is a big solid G10 backspacer which cushions the interior of the handle's spine, and the 4.32 inch blade is forged from 1095, as I mentioned.


All of the assembly parts, like screws, are equally as tough as the rest of the knife, as evidenced by the fact that despite an obvious amount of use, that this LPC is no worse off for the wear it's undertaken.  The action was buttery smooth, the thick carry clip solidly attached, and the whole package simply felt just about perfect.

I really like the unique Sniper Bladeworks logo, it embodies that bad-assery inherent in their knives.

          Average Sniper Bladeworks prices generally start around $500 USD, but are going to vary quite a bit depending on what materials you want, and how you want it to look.  The LPC I handled is one of the more basic models visually.  It's utilitarian, and simple, though Muller and Abernathy offer more exotic materials like carbon fiber, rayskin, mammoth ivory and damascus.  The choice is yours, rightly, and you're guaranteed to get a knife that doesn't look like something off the shelf, because your knife won't be, as I said, it's evident these knives are crafted individually with much attention to detail.  It's important to me that readers understand that the model shown here represents the toughness and build-quality of all of the Sniper folders.  The LPC I used is pretty basic, but imagine it as a sort of starting point for all other variations of the LPC you'll see from them.  Even if you order an LPC with damascus bladesteel and carbon fiber inlays, you can count on the same stout toughness.  This is one company that produces custom knives where the quality & toughness do not vary from model to model, or across different sizes, they're all built like brick shithouses!  I should note also that they make the LPC and DH folders in mini-size models as well, which are slightly scaled down for every day carry.  Across the LPC line too, there are various options for alternate blade styles, if you do a search online, you'll see Sniper BW LPCs with pointy wharncliffe blades, or blades lacking the "blood groove" on the one I tested.  From what I hear, Muller & Abernathy are ready & willing to work with the customer to produce your ideal version of their LPC or DH design.  So, common prices for LPC variations range from $500-$600, but will definitely go higher, or lower depending on what you want.  For example, a knife with a hamon temper line will run you an extra $50 or so.  I have to say, I DO think many custom knives are overpriced for what you get, but I feel differently about the Sniper Bladeworks LPC I spent time with.  I was sort of bummed to send it back, though I appreciated the opportunity to check it out, and I'm thankful for Colin's offer, and the time he took to ship it out.

      Despins actually ordered his own DH (Dark Hollow) folder from Sniper Bladeworks, he reviewed his personal knife on his site, Max Venom, on his personal blog, he says; "This is a reflection of what it is that Sniper Bladeworks does best. Beyond their absolutely stunning craftsmanship, Sniper Bladeworks focuses on producing a product that the end user can personally take pride in and identify with in a unique way that represents them as an individual."  Well said, for sure, beyond well-made, and very personalized are just two traits you can count on from a Sniper Bladeworks knife.

 I'm in the process of straightening out some things in my life, monetarily, but once I'm back on track, I'm going to start my "Sniper Jar", and set aside 1's, 5's and change to go toward my personal LPC folder.  I think, when the time is right, I'd like to see if Muller can work my Sharp Bright & Tactical "snakes" logo into either an etching on the blade, or a recessed/embossed pattern on the handle.  I'm definitely looking forward to getting my very own personalized version of the LPC!

     I was joking with a buddy that this LPC knife is built like a tank made out of bricks, or conversely, a brick made out of tanks, if you prefer.  You can see a general sampling of their wares on their website, as well as call for more info on what may be currently available, or to talk custom orders with them.

a view of the BEEFY Ti frame-lock liner

           Sniper Bladeworks is on Facebook as well.  You can see more examples of the aesthetic awesomeness that Muller brings to these knives.  His background as a jeweler, watch maker & engraver becomes apparent when you see other knives that have a bit more detail, flare, and more exotic materials, as I mentioned, Damascus and ray-skin are just two examples of more exclusive materials that Lance & Jody offer on their knives for a bit more money.

This photo is from the Sniper Facebook page, just another example of the wide range of aesthetic options available, including various versions of the DH (Dark Hollow).

this photo can be found on SBWs' website, http://www.sniperbladeworks.com/

It's safe to say that Sniper Bladeworks is here to stay, and those knife lovers who haven't yet heard the names Lance Abernathy, & Jody Muller, will know the work of these 2 talented men very soon.  In addition to folding knives, I have seen a couple examples of beautiful fixed blade knives from the duo as well, in addition to a tactical tomahawk that looks like it's capable of demolishing a small building, all by itself.

     I had a blast carrying, using, and just plain admiring this version of the LPC, and I can't wait for the day that I can call these guys up, give them a credit card number, and let them know exactly what I have in mind for my own LPC folder.

BIG BAD clip and frame-lock

cutting the shit out of a cranberry juice bottle.  like buttah.

Beefiest. Thumbstud. Ever.