input please

R.W.Clark · Nov 12, 2002

Thoughts, comments and or suggestions.
 

<img border="0" src="http://www.rwclarkknives.com/images/page%20photos/for%20sale%20now%20photos/M12%20Desert.jpg" width="640" height="480">
 
With all the BS going on in the Mid East, it is clear that
alot of our boys will be heading out to eat some sand for awhile. With that in
mind I really wanted to get a top quality fixed blade out at a price that
enlisted men really could afford.
Specs:
Blade - S30V 7"
Handle - Golden Brown (tan) canvas Micarta
Sheath - Desert camo Kydex with TekLok
The blade was bead blasted, then heat colored and then bead
blasted again. The canvas Micarta has been blasted for a extra heavy duty
textured grip.
With cost being a prime concern I tried to kept it as bare
bones as possible.
So let me here from you guys.
 
 

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Keith Montgomery · Nov 12, 2002

Well I sure don't have any suggestions for making it better. As far as I am concerned. It looks like it will handle whatever it is asked to with aplomb.

What is the thickness of the blade? It seems that makers are keeping their S30V knives thinner than with other metals.

It may have been kept simple to keep the price down, but even so, it looks great. I am starting to really like Micarta in that color.

RokJok · Nov 12, 2002

I like it!!!

You've again hit a sweet spot on the design curve with clean lines and very nice execution. The heat coloring is a nice touch (assuming that's what I see on the blade, not just lighting anomolies). Any chance for a pic of the sheath?

R.W.Clark · Nov 12, 2002

The stock is 3/16. With S30V there is no need to go any thicker.

That is the heat coloring you see. The sheath has not been made yet. I will be forming it in the morning.

I am torn between the camo Kydex or using a Black Hawk Deluxe Jump Sheath. The only thing holding me back from the Black Hawk is that it does not come in tan (only OD or black). If anyone knows of a good ballistic nylon sheath in tan please let me know.

Some thoughts. If demand is high enough I will switch to 3V. This will allow me to drop down to 5/32 stock. I would also have them hydro cut. By doing those two things I can drop the weight a couple oz. Right now it sits at 13oz. but I would like to see it come down a bit.

I really want to be able to get these out the door for $200 (to active military only at that price). But I don't know if I will be able to hit that mark unless I get a couple hundred on order. And thats not too likely. Unfortunatly I still got a house payment to make.

I will be trying to get some photos down to the Marines down south to see if there is any interest.

The profile is my new Model 12. The only differance is that its not quite a purty.

Bigjohn · Nov 12, 2002

i think you are on track...Its a very user looking knife
a great profile with a neat military type color & texture...sure to please

LAG3 · Nov 12, 2002

Really nice. I prefer them plain anyway. Way to go Ron!

Leo G.

ExamonLyf · Nov 12, 2002

That'll sure bring a smile to the faces of some Spec Ops folks Ron.., and very nice of you to attempt to get that sort of quality and keep the price affordable...

"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"

poboy · Nov 13, 2002

For the intended purpose of Soldier's all-around blade, I think you got it just right. And it would make a great Fighter with the blade just a tiny bit pointier.

SharpBits · Nov 13, 2002

Originally posted by poboy
For the intended purpose of Soldier's all-around blade, I think you got it just right. And it would make a great Fighter with the blade just a tiny bit pointier.

I can't say it any better. Even agree on the pointier tip.
How much would it cost for a non-military purchase? Could help round out the number or help subsidize a soldiers blade.

-SB

R.W.Clark · Nov 14, 2002

I reached the price point I wanted, but I had to give up the Camo sheath. The sheaths will be O.D. Concealex. The Black Hawk sheath was a little too small for the blade and SOE wants $49 per sheath to have some made up special. With price being the biggest issue I had to make a choice. But after reviewing desert issued gear I noticed something that I never paid any mind to until now. The LBG and web gear is still O.D. Can't beleive I never really made a note of that before (doh!). So it all works out.

I have decided to refer to this finish as "grunt". Basically because that is who it is meant for. PFCs and Crpls need the same good gear that LTs need, but the PFC gets paid a whole lot less. Most of these guys can not afford to drop $400-$500 on a equal quality knife, nor should they have to. So this is for them.

It will be availble with three handle choices (tan, O.D. or black) and two sheath choices (black or O.D.). I will be offering "grunt" editions of most of my models.

The Civ price on this one was $250, and it is already sold. You can see more photos in the for sale by maker area.

I agree that a pointier tip would make it a better fighter. However.......In todays battle field the knife has dropped into a 99.9% utility role. Even the Spec Op guys hardly ever use a knife for fighting. Therefore it is more important that it be a good heavy use field tool than a weapon. The blade finish is not to hide the blade while sneaking up to attack a sentry. It is simply to break up the blades profile if it has to be used on the front lines. The last thing I want to happen is for the BGs to see the nice even lines of the blade. Even at night it would stick out like a sore thumb.

Well thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. If you know of any grunts in need of a good blade send em my way

Mongo · Nov 14, 2002

Mr. Clark, you have a winner here. I really like the lines... I see the influences of Fisk in the blade and Hossum in the handle. (two great influences IMHO) I too like the tan micarta. Personally not a fan of the camo pattern on the blade, but I understand the need for it. Would I be correct in assuming that the camo pattern can be left off for the civie model?
Overall, this is an excellent model, and I wish you much success with it.
Mongo

NickWheeler · Nov 14, 2002

I think it's GREAT, and very noble too!

Nick

R.W.Clark · Nov 17, 2002

Mongo, Absolutly. I have some photos on my site (under "available now") that shows the M12 without the blade shading.

Attached is a photo of a M11 with shading and then one M11 and one M12 without.

input please

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