The idea of the one piece knife was born while Chris was serving time on the
Namibia/Angola border in 1979. The experiences of military service have contributed
substantially to the features in these knives. Chris realized that the ideal
working knife was in fact a tool which was strong, reliable and impervious to
temperature and humidity. Extensive time has been devoted to design, research
and development to improve both the blade designs and the methods used in making
the knives.
Each knife is made from a solid billet of A2 tool steel. The stock removal
method results in two distinct advantages--the strength/weight ratio is exceptional
and there is no handle/blade join. This means that there is no area where the
blade and handle could come apart--a weakness in the design of other hollow
handle knives. The handle cavity is larger than that of any similar knife. The
hollow handle is closed with a butt cap made of 6061 aluminum which screws into
the handle against a Neoprene "O" ring, ensuring the cavity is sealed
from dust and moisture. All the one piece knives are hardened to 55-57 RC and
a random check is made to ensure accuracy. This hardness gives superb toughness,
good edge retention and allows for efficient sharpening in the field. Each knife
is coated with super hi-tech Kalgard®, originally developed for use in the
aerospace industry. This coating offers a durable, long-lasting, non-reflective
covering. Included in the price of each knife is a hand-made leather sheath.
A lifelong guarantee, signed by Chris accompanies each knife.
The one piece design offers the highest possible weight/strength ratio A2 Tool
Steel offers excellent edge retention and good shock resistance Hardness at
between 55 and 57 Rockwell C is not brittle but gives good edge retention along
with ease of sharpening
An 8" hollow grind is used with a full thickness back edge. All designs
are ground to allow the full thickness of the back edge to come as close to
the point as possible, affording a very strong front tip but not restricting
the knife's ability to pierce. The hollow handle, which is created to reduce
weight, is larger than any similar sized knife because there is no join between
handle and blade.
The aluminum butt cap provides an airtight closure for the hollow handle and
is designed so that it can be used for hammering. Because using the knife as
a hammer can be dangerous to one's knuckles and fingers, we do not recommend
that this be done unless in an emergency situation. It is preferable to use
a hammer. Full depth precision machined knurling affords maximum non-slip grip.Non-reflective
Kalgard® coating gives lasting protection.
All knives carry a lifetime guarantee and a damaged knife will be replaced
or repaired at Chris' discretion. This guarantee does not cover damage to
a knife that has been thrown or used for heavy levering.
These knives are used by hunters, backpackers, SWAT teams, military personnel,
firefighters and police all over the world. They are also to be found in many
knife collections and most of our customers own more than one of our knives.
Each hand made leather sheath is designed to fit the knife well, to give maximum
protection to the carrier and the knife when being carried. Because we continue
to improve our design, sheaths supplied might not be exactly as shown in the
brochure.
Replacement butt caps and sheaths are available at reasonable prices. Many
customers feel that once their knives have been used, they lose collectors'
value. This is not so as the knife can be returned to our workshop, where it
will be sandblasted, re-coated with Kalgard®, sharpened and returned in
its original condition. Refer to retail price list for cost. Please return knife
in sheath.
These knives are virtually indestructible and will remain a good companion
for many years!
