tyr_shadowblade
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2006
- Messages
- 12,757
Just received a package from "outlaw knifemaker" Charlie Mike.
A few years back Matt was doing knife modifications, waving Spydercos with a Dremel, and he's come a long way since then. He's been making unique knife designs in the "urban primitive" style popularized by Fred Perrin and is pretty much in a class of his own there. While at first glance these knives appear crude, the grinds are very well executed, all the rough edges are smoothed, ergonomics are excellent, edge is screaming sharp, and the heat treatment is professionally done (he sends them out for this).
The knife I received is the "hawkbill push knife" depicted in the following thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/954619-Pair-of-unique-punch-knives
Steel is 3/16" ATS-34. It is very lightweight, yet it has a bit of heft to it as all the weight is forward. This blade is very lively, quick, agile, and movements with this blade flow effortlessly and naturally. After testing the edge on a roll of paper towels I progressed to slicing apart a corrugated cardboard carton and it just tore that right apart. This is a wickedly effective blade for self-defense use . . . but I suppose you could open boxes with it too.
I've owned several Perrin blades -- all of which were great, but just did not suit me for one reason or another. The CM push knife I tested not only was comparable in quality, but I actually like it better -- and that surprised me, because Fred is one of my favorite knife makers and, frankly, from the pics posted I wasn't sure what to expect from Matt. Needless to say, I'm both surprised by and pleased with the quality of this blade. It just feels *right* in my hand.
Now, let us examine the sheath. Fit and finish on the sheath was much better than expected, and there are Kydex stiffeners inside to keep it flat and rigid. Sheath rides a little higher than the belt, as it should. Snap works well, holding securely yet releasing easily. I can pop this open and have the knife in my hand very quickly -- not as quick as Kydex or open top leather, but the thin square pouch looks rather innocuous and I can get to it quick enough -- far quicker than an unwaved Spyderco clipped to my pocket.
This is a great knife, and Matt's push knife design is especially suited for a hawkbill blade. Simply slap the hook into the target, rip, and repeat. I like this better than any of the double-edged push daggers I've owned over the years -- and I've owned some good ones. Completely different style which is better suited to me. I like this knife better than a kerambit as well -- it is far lighter, takes up less space, and frankly looks less menacing.
I'm wearing this knife on my belt right now, and I think it's going to remain there for quite some time. Thanks, Matt. :thumbup:
A few years back Matt was doing knife modifications, waving Spydercos with a Dremel, and he's come a long way since then. He's been making unique knife designs in the "urban primitive" style popularized by Fred Perrin and is pretty much in a class of his own there. While at first glance these knives appear crude, the grinds are very well executed, all the rough edges are smoothed, ergonomics are excellent, edge is screaming sharp, and the heat treatment is professionally done (he sends them out for this).
The knife I received is the "hawkbill push knife" depicted in the following thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/954619-Pair-of-unique-punch-knives
Steel is 3/16" ATS-34. It is very lightweight, yet it has a bit of heft to it as all the weight is forward. This blade is very lively, quick, agile, and movements with this blade flow effortlessly and naturally. After testing the edge on a roll of paper towels I progressed to slicing apart a corrugated cardboard carton and it just tore that right apart. This is a wickedly effective blade for self-defense use . . . but I suppose you could open boxes with it too.
I've owned several Perrin blades -- all of which were great, but just did not suit me for one reason or another. The CM push knife I tested not only was comparable in quality, but I actually like it better -- and that surprised me, because Fred is one of my favorite knife makers and, frankly, from the pics posted I wasn't sure what to expect from Matt. Needless to say, I'm both surprised by and pleased with the quality of this blade. It just feels *right* in my hand.
Now, let us examine the sheath. Fit and finish on the sheath was much better than expected, and there are Kydex stiffeners inside to keep it flat and rigid. Sheath rides a little higher than the belt, as it should. Snap works well, holding securely yet releasing easily. I can pop this open and have the knife in my hand very quickly -- not as quick as Kydex or open top leather, but the thin square pouch looks rather innocuous and I can get to it quick enough -- far quicker than an unwaved Spyderco clipped to my pocket.
This is a great knife, and Matt's push knife design is especially suited for a hawkbill blade. Simply slap the hook into the target, rip, and repeat. I like this better than any of the double-edged push daggers I've owned over the years -- and I've owned some good ones. Completely different style which is better suited to me. I like this knife better than a kerambit as well -- it is far lighter, takes up less space, and frankly looks less menacing.
I'm wearing this knife on my belt right now, and I think it's going to remain there for quite some time. Thanks, Matt. :thumbup:
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