Anyone checked out the Atlas Dynamic Defense Harbinger S

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

maximus83

Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
2,104
Very nice profile and specs on this newer, small fixed blade. Curious if anyone is aware of it, or even tried it. A search here on BF didn't turn up much.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/AD...-s30v-blade-od-green-g10-handles-kydex-sheath

Specs:
  • Blade Length: 3.875"
  • Cutting Edge: 3.625"
  • Handle Length: 4.50"
  • Overall Length: 8.375"
  • Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
  • Blade Thickness: 0.16"
  • Blade Hardness: 57-58HRC
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Blade Grind: Flat
  • Blade Finish: Black Oxide
  • Handle Material: OD Green G10
  • Handle Thickness: 0.66"
  • Sheath Material: Kydex with Tek-Lok
  • Weight: 7.1 oz.
  • Weight with Sheath: 9.9 oz.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Made in the USA
ADDHRBSODGS30BKOXn.jpg
 
Yep spendy for my taste too. :D But given the cryo aspect of the heat treat, and looking at comparable knives and materials by places like Spartan, CRK, and the White River GTI series, $300 and change for American made is within the range of "normal."

But setting aside the high cost of these and similar spec American-made knives, I'm still pretty interested in the size and profile specs. This is a really nice size for an all-purpose utility fixed blade. It's one of the few knives I've found with a shorter OAL that approaches EDC-able, but still has an adequate length (4.5" + choil) handle to get a good purchase on the knife.
 
I'd just get 3 ESEE-3s. I'm sure they each have at least 1/3 the edge retention of that knife.

Though you don't get as cool of a name..."Atlas Dynamic Defense Harbinger S"
 
Or a Buck Small Selkirk, for $46.99 at selected retailers online. Fits in the same general niche as this blade, though I'm sure you'd have to touch it up with the sharpening stone more often.
 
Expensive for the materials, but aside from the price, it's a solid design. Interestingly enough I also have a RAT3 with me for comparison, which is a pretty close one. The blade is thicker on the Atlas Dynamic blade and it's a little wider as well. The handle is slightly longer and a tad thicker than the RAT/ESEE. The Kydex sheath is well done, but I wish it covered a little more of a handle for a more secure fit. It's okay, but retention is minimal. Mine didn't come very sharp and being S30V, it's harder than most common carbon steels when it comes to sharpening. I will just need to apply some time to put the right edge on (for me). So, good constructions, solid materials, utilitarian design, above average sheath...but still over-priced. If you can't swallow the price, you wouldn't be disappointed, but you're not getting much performance over less expensive, but similar-designed knives.
 
I like that just reading the name of the company + product instantly tells you that either the price, the materials, or both are going to be laughable.

Man, you can have a fixed blade custom-made with better materials and exactly to your liking at a price like that.

If you don't want to wait, though, give Cold Steel's fixed blades a gander. You can get a Master Hunter in 3V for less than $120, or a Pendleton Hunter (3V) for less than $90. Fallkniven's F1 in VG10 is in that same general size / purpose category and runs under $160, and as Maximus mentioned, Bark River has numerous (and likely superior) offerings for under or close to half the cost.
 
I'm normally a Cold Steel fan and as you know, just bought a Recon and very pleased with its quality. However, I'm not convinced these low-priced Cold Steel 3V blades have good heat treat yet. I've read of a few problems, but you never know if that's just early bugs that were worked out, or folks who don't really know what they're talking about. The price of the CS 3v offerings however, is a bit of a yellow flag, so I am personally going to hold off on buying any of those until more reviews have been done. Getting the Ambush by Bark River, I'm not worried about, the price seems proportional to the materials and build quality, and Bark River is experienced with 3V so would have no concerns that their offering for $180 is very likely a quality blade.

The price point alone of the blade under discussion in the thread does not bother me. I don't mind spending a few $$ for quality blades, though normally my tastes are more for simple rugged users in more traditional steels, like ESEE. It probably tells you something about me that I just bought the most expensive knife I've ever owned in my life, a Bradford Guardian 4, which cost $249. :) Still I'm not TOO hung up on price. The thing that caught my interest in this particular knife was not the mall ninja company name, but rather, the combination of the cryo treated S30v, the blade profile, the OAL, and the larger-sized handle. It was just a nice combination of size and profile specs that I've been looking for. However the Guardian I just bought has me nicely covered there too. And the Ambush knife I linked to checks all those boxes for just a bit over HALF the price of the OP linked knife.
 
maximus, it's not as if cold steel is some new company; not trusting their heat treat because they aren't charging enough seems to be counter to what most here want-lower cost on their better knives. So, "if they aren't charging more there may be something wrong" seems like a bad message to send to CS. :confused: Perhaps I misunderstood you (though I'm aware you only said you were not convinced yet). o_O
 
I'm not convinced yet and won't take the plunge on their 3V yet myself. No comment on whether they're actually any good, I have no idea. I like Cold Steel products.
 
Looks like someone tried to combine a TB Tracker and a generic bushcraft knife, which in-and-of itself is not a bad idea. For that price I have to walk away though. I don't have that much disposable income.
 
This brand is gunning for the next Dork Ops spot for most dumbass overpriced "special ops" knife. They are trying to have the dumbest write ups too. They literally say their knives are made for governement secret agents with multiple passports which facilitates them performing extra-judicial assassinations.

Number one guarenteed no Spec Ops have even heard of this brand unless they were given free knives. They are clearly trying to prey on those who will feel they are one step closer to their operator fantasy by owning this knife.

If you want a good knife made with special forces input then look at Spartan Blades. Even though they are expensive they are worth the price tag. Atlas Defense, while I have never owned one, are looking awfully familliar.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top