Retribution, the Prototype

Jerry Hossom

Jerry Hossom

Joined
Aug 1, 1999
Messages
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This is the prototype for a new knife I've designed specifically for military use. The steel in this case is 154CM, though I will also be making it in S30V as soon as I get some. The blade is just under 7" to meet the carry restrictions of some units, and the swedge will be sharpened with the serration's being optional. I've worried over the serration's because they do in fact weaken the steel, but I've placed them in close proximity to the full 3/16" thickness of the blade's spine to reduce the amount of lateral stress placed on them. If the knife is to be used for prying, the serration's would not be used, but they do provide an excellent sawing capability if that's required. Total weight of the knife is 10-1/2 oz., and the OAL is just under 13". The full tang is tapered placing the balance point right on the forefinger. The handle is Green Canvas Micarta, and is a variation of my earlier handles, designed for comfort and security.

Suggestions?
 
That looks awesome. Should be a real performer. I am sure it would be a welcome addition to anyone who may go in harms way.
 
A well-thought-out, high-performance design with exquisite execution, as usual. Thanks for the peek.

-Will
 
Absolutely incredible Jerry! Anyone would be proud to own such a great knife. It looks like it will do anything asked of it.:)
 
Looks Great.

I will have to also ask, what about a skull crushing pommel? The design for some reason seems to cry for rear metal pommel(Of course that will change balance and so might be unfeasible/undesirable). You know tent stake in the sand and other such hard use apps.

Real Interested in seeing the final product.
 
Jerry, please remove those serrations at once! ack!

Seriously guys, serrations on the spine like that just get in the way.

1)They prevent whacking on the top of the blade (useful when doing lots of GI type chores like splitting wood)

2)They get caught on terrorists when disemboweling them.

Sawing is for saws!
 
I'd opt for no serrations as well, but if it's an option, then everyone is happy.

Keeping the recurve minimal will allow easier field sharpening, a consideration when maintenance time and equipment is limited.

Looks to be an effective blade for its intended purposes.
 
Another great design, Jerry! I've got to disagree on the skull crusher. I have too many knives that need a covered sheath because of sharp stuff on the butts.
 
Jerry, I took the Millenium Machete to Blade West with me this weekend in order to show it off. The Striderguys all thought it was totally "Bad Ass!", and Tom Mayo just loved it. Ernie Emerson and company were also quite impressed. Steve Ryan flailed it around impressively and simply said "Very nice,.....perfectly balanced,...light."

Jerry, on your military proto, KEEP the serrations, but modify the butt not only into a skullcrusher, but also a flathead prying/screwdriver configuration which could easily double as a skullcrusher. And if the scales were either heavily checkered G10 OR a very roughly textured micarta this beautiful piece would never slip out of sweat/blood drenched hands.

Great work, as usual.
 
Jerry, fantastic knife, and very cool name...
Only time I feel good anymore is in the shop making blades for the guys heading out for scalps..

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
 
Looks like Mr. H has done it again :)
Gotta love those compound curves.
I too, could live without the serrations (from an asthetic viewpoint).
As for a skull crusher...it looks like it already has one, to me.
Let's see micarta vs. human head... methinx the micarta wins ;)
The name sez it all.
Thanx Jerry.
 
fine looking, as always. i would pass on the serrations in favor of a say 30 -35% swedge in the same place with a hachet edge i think you could hack as good or better than saw, and it wount hang up on stuff. not to forget you could give a mean back stroke with it. i would leave the butt end as is. you could stun or incapacatate someone just fine bringing that into the temple or base of the skull
 
Between the posts here and the emails and phonecalls, it seems there is almost an even split on the variables. The serration's are an option that are not for everyone. Some want them, especially when they understand these serration's are a little different from what you see on a Spyderco. It's also a fact that the parts of the Military this knife is designed for just don't carry saws with them. And since this saw can eat through aluminum or mild steel it might be useful.

As for the skull crusher, I can make the pommel pointier, though you probably wouldn't want to get banged in the head with what's there already. I don't want to add any weight back there, since that would shift the balance dramatically.

The idea of flattening the recurve some is a good one, and I'll likely make that change to simplify sharpening. By eliminating most of the drop at the very rear of the blade I think that problem is solved. I want to retain the fully belly at the front, however, since it enhances cutting.

I'm grateful for the kind remarks and the feedback. I'm planning a couple other Military oriented pieces using inputs I've had from those who know, plus I welcome any and all ideas that might lead to better weaponry for our guys in Camo.
 
Jerry,

It looks great just like it is. Great job (as usual)!

n2s

...let me know if you find an extra one... :)
 
Suggestions? Mail that sucker to me at ...............!

Seriously, that is awesome. I dont like serrations either. Leave them off, but offer them to the occasional person who does like them. And definitely go with the 3V for this one.
 
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