This is another Chad Los Banos design, and it's a high-quality fixed blade; the MPT (Multi Purpose Tanto). These are available with a half-serrated black blade, or the one I'm reviewing, the plain-edged bead-blasted blade (model 591). Cost in stores is around $60, and the knife is made in China. I really don't like tantos or recurves on blades, yet this one has both. The "American tanto" isn't as chisel-shaped as a traditional Japanese tanto, and the recurve is very feint. It's a nice design.
Everything the MTP comes with (does not come with the lanyard attached)...
The Handle: The MPT has a short, stubby handle. It's a full tang design, and the handle consists of hard FRN surrounded by softer Kraton. The handle is 3-1/4" long from the butt to the end of the handle, and 1-3/4" from the butt to the start of the choil.
The handle is 3/8" wide, and it lays pretty flat. There's a lanyard hole, which will accomodate non-gutted 550 cord and really helps in withdrawing the knife from its sheath. You can see the full tang through the lanyard hole.
At first, I thought the handle would be awkward to use. Not so. It's very usable in almost any grip except P'kal. Saber grip gave a very sturdy, safe grip...
And icepick grip was even more secure...
Bottom (edge side) of the handle...
Top (spine side) of the handle...
The Blade: The MPT has a blade made of AUS-8 stainless steel, and it comes in a smooth bead-blasted finish. It's 3-3/4" long with a 3-1/2" cutting edge, and is 1/8" thick. The blade is hollow ground, and mine came extremely sharp. The secondary point (where the main edge meets the tanto tip) is very sharp as well, as this is the target area for a snap cut.
The spine is jimped nicely, and then has a cut-out to reduce weight. This is almost like a swedge, but it's in the middle of the blade's spine. After the cut-out, there's another inch of regular-thickness (1/8") spine.
Everything the MTP comes with (does not come with the lanyard attached)...
The Handle: The MPT has a short, stubby handle. It's a full tang design, and the handle consists of hard FRN surrounded by softer Kraton. The handle is 3-1/4" long from the butt to the end of the handle, and 1-3/4" from the butt to the start of the choil.
The handle is 3/8" wide, and it lays pretty flat. There's a lanyard hole, which will accomodate non-gutted 550 cord and really helps in withdrawing the knife from its sheath. You can see the full tang through the lanyard hole.
At first, I thought the handle would be awkward to use. Not so. It's very usable in almost any grip except P'kal. Saber grip gave a very sturdy, safe grip...
And icepick grip was even more secure...
Bottom (edge side) of the handle...
Top (spine side) of the handle...
The Blade: The MPT has a blade made of AUS-8 stainless steel, and it comes in a smooth bead-blasted finish. It's 3-3/4" long with a 3-1/2" cutting edge, and is 1/8" thick. The blade is hollow ground, and mine came extremely sharp. The secondary point (where the main edge meets the tanto tip) is very sharp as well, as this is the target area for a snap cut.
The spine is jimped nicely, and then has a cut-out to reduce weight. This is almost like a swedge, but it's in the middle of the blade's spine. After the cut-out, there's another inch of regular-thickness (1/8") spine.
