Off Duty, Technology - Marine Corps Times

Blades that mean business

A quality knife must be well-designed and finely crafted, dependable in the direst of circumstances. Here are some interesting steel surprises, by manufacturer, for 2008:

• Ka-Bar

FIN Folder

The smaller version of the fixed-blade FIN (Page 27), this little beauty has a thin profile, but it’s very, very stout. It features a 2¾-inch stainless steel blade that comes in four variations. The stubby blade shape looks and feels natural and, just like the fixed FIN, it slaps right into the palm and fingers with ease and comfort. The handle is stainless and adjustable. Available in April.

Cost: $76

http://www.kabar.com

• Benchmade

158 CSKII Longknife

The name pretty much says it all. There’s nothing sexy about it, but the 10¾-inch-long, thick-bladed, soft-handled, full-tang CSKII is a heavy-duty hit.

Cost: $100

http://www.benchmade.com

906 Mini-Nitrous Stryker

This new combo-edge offering isn’t an automatic, but it sure acts like one. The patented “Nitrous” opening mechanism boosts the blade with amazing ease. As the blade is closed, the two torsion arms that run the length of the handle liners are secured in place and make contact with the blade tang. The blade must be rotated open to beyond a 30-degree angle, which offers more user control.

Cost: $140

http://benchmade.com

950 Rift

The large belly and reverse tanto design of this blade garner immediate attention. The brassy, heavily milled G-10 “scales” on the grip are also tactile treats. It’s a one-handed, ambidextrous opener thanks to Benchmade’s Axis technology: a small, hardened steel bar that rides forward and back in a slot machined into both steel liners. The bar extends to both sides of the knife, spans the liners and is positioned over the rear of the blade. The result: It opens quickly, and the locking/folding mechanism operates with extreme efficiency.

Cost: $180

http://benchmade.com

• Buck

850 Bravo

The Bravo screams high performance with lots of possibilities. Think prying, wedging and puncturing. The Bravo’s strong “Besh Wedge” design provides the same thickness throughout the blade, yielding a more rigid, reliable piece of gear. A G10 handle provides the right grip and durability for all that extra use.

Cost: $126

http://www.buckknives.com

895 Raven Legacy

Soldiers and civilians alike will covet this simple, strong and durable stainless-steel sticker. It’s got style and simplicity and a fixed 5-inch blade that means business. It also sports a full-tang construction and a contoured G10 handle.

Cost: $314

http://www.buckknives.com

• Gerber

Hinderer CLS

This multifunctional clip folder will be available later this summer but is already generating consumer interest. That’s because it combines a stainless steel fine and serrated blade with a sharpened tip and built-in seat cutter, window punch and oxygen tank wrench. Hence the CLS moniker: combat life-saver. The oversized thumb stud allows for easy opening, and it comes with a tactical, nonreflective black finish. It’s just 8½ inches long with a 3½-inch blade.

Cost: $96

http://www.gerbergear.com

Prodigy

Warriors searching for a smaller, beefy fixed blade should eyeball the Prodigy, a survival knife envisioned to be used as a hammer, punch or spear attachment in addition to slicing and dicing a bad guy. Its ergonomic, over-molded rubber handle ensures a soft, comfortable but secure grip in all sorts of weather. The blade is full-tang, high-carbon stainless steel and coated with black oxide for improved corrosion resistance.

Cost: $80

http://www.gerbergear.com

• Blackhawk

Point Man

If you’re going to trust your life to a knife, this is one to consider. The spear point blade is a highlight of this full-service, tactical folder. The heavy-duty liner lock was a real plus. Better yet: It’s also available as an automatic.

Cost: $100

http://blackhawk.com

Hornet II

A true tactical folder, the Hornet II feels like a solid, do-it-all, classic knife. And it packs it all into a low-profile, corrosion-resistant package. Highlights include heavy-duty liner locks, precision ground stainless steel, black Teflon- coated blade and a four-position clothing clip.

Cost: $100

http://www.blackhawk.com

• SOG

Fusion Salute

Fusion is SOG’s new, inexpensive import line, and the Salute is the first tactical folder of the bunch. The machined G10 handles are nicely designed into the scalloped full-length steel liners. There’s a big lock back and a Bowie-style blade. The movable thumb stud provides easy opening.

Cost: $50

http://www.sogknives.com

Visionary II

This slim winner is considered “practical tactical.” The Arc-Lock technology is lightning-quick on the one-handed open and close. The Visionary’s nonreflective, black powder finish on the VG-10 straight stainless blade is menacing. A Zytel, glass-reinforced handle adds to the smooth overall profile.

Cost: $160

http://www.sogknives.com

• Spyderco

Spyderco’s Salt series water knives are touted as all sharp, no rust. And they live up to the hype. Comprised of H-1, a precipitation-hardened alloy with 0.1 percent nitrogen instead of carbon, the blades, internal components and clips stay rust free in fresh- or saltwater conditions.

http://spyderco.com

Rock Salt

A 7-inch, full-tang, fixed-blade camp knife with an oversized hand guard is positioned behind a deep-cut finger choil (the spot where unsharpened blade meets the handle). The full-bodied blade has a beautiful sweeping center-line grind and features two lanyard attachments.

Cost: $220

http://spyderco.com

Caspian Salt

This fascinating fixed blade features an unusual 1-inch index-finger hole that allows unencumbered use of your fingers while still tucking the knife deep in your palm. The cutout handles lessen weight.

Cost: $185

http://spyderco.com