Just Got a Corkum "First Strike" Fighter Tanto

[Megalobyte]

I just ordered a Steve Corkum "First Strike" fighter knife with the maroon ray skin, epoxy cord wrapped handle, and am excited to receive it. Like any self respecting knife nut, i of course paid the $25 for overnight shipping.

Anyone have one, do you like it? Worth the $? How faithful to the ancient designed tanto fighters is it, if at all? Regardless, I find it to be very pleasing to the eye, i love those distinct temper lines in the blade, and it will also be nice to finally own a tanto blade that is at least relatively faithful to the original design and angle. Ill post my thoughts on its quality tomorrow night after i examine it closely.

Happy Birthday to me.

 

[Kwaiken56]

Sweet knife, Meg! I've had a couple of Steve's knives rotate through my collection, and IMO think he has what he does down pat.

It is my understanding that the genuine old-style fighters had a more rounded belly at the tip of the blade, as opposed to your's, which has what most would call an "American Style" tanto profile, that is, it has that wedge shaped tip popularized back in the eighties by makers such as Bob Lum, Phill Hartsfield, and production companies such as Cold Steel. Often this style is marketed as having "armor piercing" capabilities, which I do not dispute. Many also like this profile in a fighter because the somewhat abrupt change in edge angle acts as a secondary tip while slashing.

BTW.....While you wish yourself "Happy Birthday" (as do I - Happy birthday!!), why did you enter N/A in your date of birth boxes? Just curious!

 

[Megalobyte]

Hi AL, thanks for the info! I guess whether the tip profile is faithful to traditional Japanese design is secondary to what looks good to my eyes, and i really do like the lines and look of this Corkum fighter, very strong and sleek. Cant wait to hold it tomorrow. From what i gather, the real japanese tips had no real angle, just an increasing curve towards the tip, however, the Corkum, at least, has a far less distinctive, less abrupt, angled tip than most of the so called "american" tanto tips i have seen, like those by Benchmade and similar.

As for my birthday, i dont know why i listed it as NA, i honestly dont recall doing that, oh well, in any case, im 33. (with the mind of a 6 year old).

Finally, i see your sig-line is G.Marx, as is mine, great minds think alike???

 

[penguinva]

Happy Birthday Meg!
Greeat present to yourself - have a couple of Steve's knives - super nice knives at great price!
You will not be disappointed - nice temper lines & Steve's knives are designed for use - he has a good feel for proper ergonomics (at least on ones I have handled or own). Interested to know what you think after you actually handle it?

Bill

 

[Megalobyte]

OK, well, as promised, here are my thoughts on this knife.

First the negatives. The blade's finish was a bit uneven, it was nice on one side, the other side was a little dull, a quick polish with Flitz solved that. Also, the triangular "skull crusher" pommel was, in my opinion, not very nicely finished. Now, i realize that this is not an art knife and is intended to be a very rugged user/carry and these minor finish issues arent really important to how the knife will function, but i expected that on a $450 knife, one which doesnt spend a fortune on materials, little details would be nicely done. In any case, a little polishing of the pommel greatly improved the finish, and now the knife looks very nice to my eyes.

The positives are: The handle wrapping is very nicely done, as is the ray-skin underneath. The damascus Menuke on both sides was also very nice and really adds a nice touch. The blade is made from very thick stock and is sharpened in a way that while not very sharp, is clearly meant to last and take abuse. The wavy temper lines are neat, and the overall look of the knife is very sleek and robust, in short, a very nice knife.

So, i would say it is almost worth the money, and WOULD be worth it if the knife came with a better finished pommel and blade.