Ardent Knives Kestrel Survival knife with interesting steel choice

[laabstract]

The Kestrel is a innovative knife from Ardent Knives, it is one of the few fixed blade knives I have seen use the CTS-XHP steel. CTS-XHP is a stainless steel with alot of similar edge retention characteristics of Carbon Steel.

The Kestrel has a blade length of 4.5 inches and a overall length of 9.5 inches and features a micarta handle. Using CTS-XHP stainless.

[video=youtube_share;XHpuidFrDlI]http://youtu.be/XHpuidFrDlI[/video]

 

[Rockywolf]

I like the looks of this. Thanks for the review.

 

[Ankerson]

The Kestrel is a innovative knife from Ardent Knives, it is one of the few fixed blade knives I have seen use the CTS-XHP steel. CTS-XHP is a stainless steel with alot of similar edge retention characteristics of Carbon Steel.

XHP is basically a stainless vers of CPM D2 so I would really hope it's a lot different edge retention wise than typical carbon steel, if not then there is something very wrong....

 

[MVF]

I also ordered one of these at the Pasadena show. I haven't had it out for any fun yet, but I can say that it has replaced my RMD for my "best feel in the hand" knife. I really love that RMD, but for me, the slightly smaller size and weight make this the knife I'll be taking on my next trip. I can't wait to see if it feels as good working as it does in my TV chair! Thanks for the review- when Tim told me what he hardened to (IIRC 64) I figured it would hold an edge pretty well.