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- Oct 2, 1998
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It's not every day that Kit Carson comes out with something new and different, especially considering the success he has enjoyed with his signature knives like the Model 4 and Model 16.
Over the past couple of years I've been talking to Kit about doing something in a neck knife, and as it turns out, I wasn't the only one. Some big names in the industry (who shall remain nameless) were also after Kit to jump into this arena.
I've had the privilege of seeing some prototypes that Kit has made over a period of time as he worked on plans for neck knives both of his own design and on behalf of some industry heavyweights.
Today Kit sent me a couple of his most recent neck knife designs. This project is one that Kit is particularly proud of, (as he should be) because in producing these knives he is working with his son, Jody Carson as well as his new son-in-law, Mike Obenauf. Those of us who know Kit and of his family already know that son, Jody, has demonstrated his talent in working with Kit on past projects, aside from his work with Remington firearms. Well, now Kit tells me that son-in-law Mike is a name to get familiar with, so take it to heart, because you're hearing it here first.
At first blush, when I opened the package I thought the knives looked a bit small for my taste.
That's one of the things I most respect about Kit. He knows my tastes pretty well and the size of knive I prefer and am accustomed to. Yet he wasn't afraid to hear what I might have to say about the knives and sent them to me for review without reservation.
What I found when I opened the box were two knives, obviously based on Kit's well known folder, the Model 4. One knife features a CPM-420V (S90V) blade, and the other a powder coated A2 blade. The overall length is 5.5" with a cutting edge of 2.5".
The grip is enhanced with scales of well textured field grade G-10 and a lanyard to assist with retention. The knives also feature traction notches on both the forward spine and forefinger areas to provide additional purchase.
Kit told me on the phone that he is planning on making these knives available in this size as well as one or possibly two larger sizes depending on customer needs and what works best in terms of form, fit and function. (And Kit's busy schedule.
)
The excellent fitted kydex sheath is made by
Frank Sigman of S&S Enterprises of N.C. The sheath comes equipped with two Chicago screws which allow the wearer to adjust the retention to his or her desired level. It works great. Both knives were very secure yet easily accessed.
The fit and finish on these knives was what we have come to expect from the shop of Kit Carson. Extremely clean work.
Kit explained the manufacturing process as follows:
"Mike band saws and grinds them to rough shape, drills and taps the holes, and cuts
out the handle pieces. Jody uses the CNC mill and profiles the blades and handles. Jody also does the powder coating. I hollow grind and heat-treat the blades."
Kit went on to say:
"We plan to price the small version at $135 with the neck sheath and chain, plus
shipping. That price will be the same for the 420V or powder coated A2, and just about any other steel asked for. I have some Im finishing in BG 42 and the larger ones we have made are D2. If I can find the steel, I will make them out of just about anything, since we are hand cutting and CNC profiling them. Different colors of powder coat
will be available. We did 2 with OD green and they looked good. This powder coat is one of the best we have found."
So how do they cut? The answer is surprisingly well!
Though small, I set about cutting up the postal carton the knives were shipped in and found that they cut very efficiently belying their small size. The handles have no hot spots and the grip was surprisingly secure.
After shredding the cardboard, the knives still sliced paper cleanly. A couple of passes on my Razor Edge steel realigned the edges to the way they were before beginning the exercise. Impressive performance in a small package.
These knives will lend themselves to a variety of people and functions. I told Kit I thought that they would be great for folks who can't afford to wear larger knives under their clothing due to their mode of dress or employer policy.
Additionally, some folks just prefer smaller knives, especially neck knives, since they tend to be reserved for backup or lighter duty.
Judging by the weight and the symmetry of design, in my opinion they would be outstanding for women who would like to find a comfortable neck knife.
They are light (under 3 ounces with sheath), unobtrusive and as undetectable as any neck knife I know of.
As with other small neck knives, these can also be carried quite comfortably in the pocket, utilizing a "static cord" method of drawing the knife.
Kit can ordinarily be found roaming around these parts or on our evening chats when he has the time....or....barring that, you can reach him via email at:
kcknives@bbtel.com
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Blues' Knife Pix
Over the past couple of years I've been talking to Kit about doing something in a neck knife, and as it turns out, I wasn't the only one. Some big names in the industry (who shall remain nameless) were also after Kit to jump into this arena.
I've had the privilege of seeing some prototypes that Kit has made over a period of time as he worked on plans for neck knives both of his own design and on behalf of some industry heavyweights.
Today Kit sent me a couple of his most recent neck knife designs. This project is one that Kit is particularly proud of, (as he should be) because in producing these knives he is working with his son, Jody Carson as well as his new son-in-law, Mike Obenauf. Those of us who know Kit and of his family already know that son, Jody, has demonstrated his talent in working with Kit on past projects, aside from his work with Remington firearms. Well, now Kit tells me that son-in-law Mike is a name to get familiar with, so take it to heart, because you're hearing it here first.
At first blush, when I opened the package I thought the knives looked a bit small for my taste.
That's one of the things I most respect about Kit. He knows my tastes pretty well and the size of knive I prefer and am accustomed to. Yet he wasn't afraid to hear what I might have to say about the knives and sent them to me for review without reservation.
What I found when I opened the box were two knives, obviously based on Kit's well known folder, the Model 4. One knife features a CPM-420V (S90V) blade, and the other a powder coated A2 blade. The overall length is 5.5" with a cutting edge of 2.5".
The grip is enhanced with scales of well textured field grade G-10 and a lanyard to assist with retention. The knives also feature traction notches on both the forward spine and forefinger areas to provide additional purchase.
Kit told me on the phone that he is planning on making these knives available in this size as well as one or possibly two larger sizes depending on customer needs and what works best in terms of form, fit and function. (And Kit's busy schedule.
The excellent fitted kydex sheath is made by
Frank Sigman of S&S Enterprises of N.C. The sheath comes equipped with two Chicago screws which allow the wearer to adjust the retention to his or her desired level. It works great. Both knives were very secure yet easily accessed.
The fit and finish on these knives was what we have come to expect from the shop of Kit Carson. Extremely clean work.
Kit explained the manufacturing process as follows:
"Mike band saws and grinds them to rough shape, drills and taps the holes, and cuts
out the handle pieces. Jody uses the CNC mill and profiles the blades and handles. Jody also does the powder coating. I hollow grind and heat-treat the blades."
Kit went on to say:
"We plan to price the small version at $135 with the neck sheath and chain, plus
shipping. That price will be the same for the 420V or powder coated A2, and just about any other steel asked for. I have some Im finishing in BG 42 and the larger ones we have made are D2. If I can find the steel, I will make them out of just about anything, since we are hand cutting and CNC profiling them. Different colors of powder coat
will be available. We did 2 with OD green and they looked good. This powder coat is one of the best we have found."
So how do they cut? The answer is surprisingly well!
Though small, I set about cutting up the postal carton the knives were shipped in and found that they cut very efficiently belying their small size. The handles have no hot spots and the grip was surprisingly secure.
After shredding the cardboard, the knives still sliced paper cleanly. A couple of passes on my Razor Edge steel realigned the edges to the way they were before beginning the exercise. Impressive performance in a small package.
These knives will lend themselves to a variety of people and functions. I told Kit I thought that they would be great for folks who can't afford to wear larger knives under their clothing due to their mode of dress or employer policy.
Additionally, some folks just prefer smaller knives, especially neck knives, since they tend to be reserved for backup or lighter duty.
Judging by the weight and the symmetry of design, in my opinion they would be outstanding for women who would like to find a comfortable neck knife.
They are light (under 3 ounces with sheath), unobtrusive and as undetectable as any neck knife I know of.
As with other small neck knives, these can also be carried quite comfortably in the pocket, utilizing a "static cord" method of drawing the knife.
Kit can ordinarily be found roaming around these parts or on our evening chats when he has the time....or....barring that, you can reach him via email at:
kcknives@bbtel.com
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Blues' Knife Pix
