Like all CQD® knives, the Mark V has the largest hilt possible in order to protect the operator's hand from oncoming harm, whether it be in combat or utility use. When stabbing, the contrasting surfaces and expanded hilt work together to keep the operator's hand from overextending and sliding forward over the blade.
In wet or muddy conditions, the "center-point grip" can be used by sliding one finger between the Striker Hilt and the blade. This position allows the operator to retain the knife in even the most slippery conditions. Tactically, the center-point grip should be used when you have the advantage in the fight, or during utility use. If a situation calls for extended reach, two fingers may be inserted in this way. When additional reach is needed, the Mark V may be lashed to a shaft for emergency use as a spear or probe by combining the spear groove and the Striker Hilt. One of the main reasons the Striker Hilt is on the Mark V is because I wanted a knife with a prying capability. The tip would break off of every knife I have ever used for this purpose. In developing this capability, CQD® found that this material, length, and appearance was necessary.
Another use of the Striker Hilt is to supply the operator with additional "fingers". When tightly gripping a large knife, or any weapon for that matter, in a combat situation, an operator loses the use of his fingers for other tasks. The limited penetrators on the Striker Hilt allow the operator to grab, twist, puncture, or hold numerous things without ever loosening the hand's grip on theknife.
The limited penetrators also provide additional options when utilizing the knife tactically. Usually, the only options available on a large knife are deep or draw-cutting techniques and blunt techniques using the pommel. However, by using CQD® prisoner control techniques, the limited penetrators may be used in a variety of ways to control any part of a subject without causing massive injury, blood loss, or trauma. For example, when severely cutting a subject is not warranted but forceful control is necessary, the penetrators may be used to pierce and trap the subject's arm, neck, etc. This allows for a much greater element of force control to be used.
The limited penetrators provide a greater aspect of safety and control in fighting. When actually attempting to cut a subject with the blade and the strike misses its mark, perhaps to the right or left, the penetrators may still catch a piece of the target. When penetrating a soft target with the blade, the Striker Hilt and limited penetrators supply a stop to prevent over-penetration of the blade into the target. Or, if at the last moment, the operator sees it is not necessary to cut the subject using the blade, by simply flaring the attack the limited penetrator allows the operator to reflexively control it to inflict a much lesser wound. In addition to piercing techniques, the outside of the limited penetrator, as well as the pommel are both capable of impact striking.
In conclusion, the Mark V, over any knife in the world, is the most force control-oriented. What is neat about its design is that it ended up looking so aggressive, but in fact, it has the greatest range of force control. No other knife has this type of impact control, limited penetrator control, side of the blade control, and to be able to move it reflexively as well.
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