stjames
Sebenzanista
- Joined
- Oct 26, 1998
- Messages
- 6,465
One of the hot button issues that being discussed of late has been the use of the term Tactical to describe a class of knives that have become popular in the last few years, popular enough to have a great effect on the knives being offered by both production companies and custom knife makers alike. A lot of the debate has centered on Marketing (the practice of selling goods as opposed to making them), and the potentially negative impact widespread marketing of knives as weapons could have on the industry in light of ever tightening restrictions on the Second Amendment. What differentiates a utility knife, a hand tool, from one that is designed to be called upon as a weapon as well, a Tactical Knife? What is incorporated and/or compromised in the design process to achieve this goal?
In a recent discussion on the issue, Lynn Griffith, one of the few makers I have seen to unabashedly call himself a Tactical Knife Maker, stated that most of his clientele are LEO and Military, followed by hunters and outdoorsmen, and lastly by collectors. I commented that simple tool users such as myself might just be interested in a solid, well built knife with a strong, strait forward and useful design as well.
My interest was piqued by a Wharncliffe design offered by Lynn, The Sniper. It seemed like an excellent tool, and I was glad to hear from Lynn that his first criteria when designing a knife is just that. It is the additional requirements of the LEO in the field and a member of the Armed Forces on watch that has driven the other design aspects of his work, and the tactical field in general. Concealment, ease and speed of reliable deployment and truly maximizing things like size and weight ratios are all factors that can make a difference in a situation where life might hang in the balance. That, I have come to understand, is where Tactical comes into play.
Still, the knife mostly interested me as a tool. Lynn had one of his Snipers in stock, and I mulled it over for a few weeks before I decided to give it a try. It was a good thing I made up my mind when I did, as Lynn received several orders for the same model shortly afterwards. I consider myself fortunate to have gotten the knife, and am very pleased with its performance.
The Sniper, like all of Lynns Back Up Series of knives, is made of 1/8 ATS-34 stock. The knife is less than ¾ at its widest with a 3-3/4 flat ground blade on a mere 7-1/4 OAL. The point on the Wharncliffe is in line with the flat, strait edge of the blade, which reveals how true and flat the grind Lynn did is, since the blade naturally tapers to the point as the spine drops down the grind, getting thinner and thinner until it meets the edge in a narrow, precise point. A beautiful, simple design using the natural angles of the grind to enhance the blade geometry, the result being a fine, almost razor edge ending in a low, easily controllable point.
The grip, Black Micarta scales over the full tang of the handle, is a simple two-finger index and a small palm swell, not quite four fingers long and also quite thin, about 3/8 thick at the index and a hair less at the palm swell, and barely a ¼ at the middle finger choil. The contours reveal a nice, almost wood grain pattern in the Micarta. Lynn tells me the original version had a handle almost an inch shorter, for a three finger grip. The extra length was a good choice; the handle indexes well for such a slim piece of steel, and is very positive and secure when gripped tightly for strong slashes and cuts. But the slim size and weight balanced in the handle make it easy to twist the blade around and adjust your grip when doing the precise cuts and carves that the tip is so good for, like a good strait edged whittler.
I received the knife on Friday morning and was able to put it to use almost immediately. The Opera rents out productions that they have mounted in the past, so that means packing up and shipping everything from table lamps to 8 wide chandeliers. Lots of glass and crystal, much of it older than I am. We go through yards and yards of bubble wrap, long rolls of heavy plastic sheeting with lots of layers and pockets to snag the blade. Pulling the wrap up onto my bench from the roll on the floor, the low point and strait edge made clean cuts through the material along the edge of the table. The edge was more than keen enough to slice excess off of the pieces with an easy pass of the blade, and it made quick work of trimming down the cardboard boxes I was packing everything into.
The blade displays excellent toughness and edge retention. It can cut through 18/3 cable and #10 copper wire with an easy pull, and went through both hemp and polypro rope like a champ even after all that abuse. I took an old piece of 12/3 neoprene-jacketed cable and sliced it up like a carrot, just for fun. Lynn uses cryogenically treated ATS-34, and he gets great results. He took the time to discuss his process to me in some detail as well as the use of the steel in general. I have been very happy with some of the ATS-34 blades I have used in the past, and this one ranks amongst the best. This steel has been getting a bad rap lately, without people taking into account the treatment, grind and application involved. Just like all tools, the design and materials used will depend on the job it is asked to perform, and proper execution in producing the knife is key. Lynn seems to have optimized his materials for the task at hand, where durability in adverse conditions and maximum strength and toughness in a small package are a must.
Because I was looking at the knife and tying to evaluate it as more than just a utility tool I felt obliged to try the different carry options offered for this slim Wharncliffe. The basic sheath is a simple black rectangle of Kydex, just large enough for the blade and the fasteners along the edges, with a piece of gold paracord for neck knife carry. The two additional options are a multiple position Kydex belt loop and a Black Micarta clip that mounts for vertical tip up or tip down carry.
Enough has been said about the pros and cons of neck knives so I dont feel the need to go into it here, but the Snipers light weight and slim size are a big plus if thats your choice of carry. Low weight, low profile and lots of blade with very little imprint. Ill just say to each his own, and leave it at that.
I was much more impressed with the horizontal clip carry option that I used when my wife and I went out to dinner that night. I mounted the clip on the blade end of the sheath and suspended the knife handle down from my inside coat pocket, where a quick move would put the blade in my hand almost instantly. Strictly frowned upon by the local constabulary, I am sure. I can see why a knife like this would be perfect for a plain clothes or off duty LEO, the slim size and high blade to handle ratio combined with easy access certainly clarify the Tactical issue when it is slipped against your side. My wife didn't notice it the entire evening, even in close contact, and it would be easy to become accustomed to having a blade hanging there.
Saturday night I worked on the deck for a performance of "Louise" by Gustave Charpentier doing scene and act changes. This involves moving large amounts of scenery and lighting equipment quickly and quietly, and a Back Up knife, riding horizontal along the front of my belt with the grip just above the fifth pocket of my jeans, should come in very handy. Unfortunately, just about the only reason I had to pull the knife was to show it off, but it did afford the opportunity to try out this carry method in a more active setting than bench work. To say its convenient doesnt do it a justice, the knife was in my hand as quick as I could think of it. I wouldnt have known it was there if my hand were not drawn to rest naturally on the hilt. Almost unnoticeable, but then I was dressed in black from head to toe, as the job requires. I love my folders and usually shy away from carrying a fixed blade at work, but when you are carrying one it is always the first knife you reach for, so once again the Tactical aspects of the knife, low profile and ease of carry, aid in its overall usefulness.
Lynn has designed a specific tool for the job, and he has sacrificed little in the way of overall usefulness to do it. He has truly earned the title Tactical Knife Maker. The quality and workmanship of the knife is very high, it is a rugged tool with excellent fit and finish, a cleanly executed design.
I have already made arrangements with Lynn for a 4 Wharncliffe along the lines of his Belt Knife series, sized to fit within Californias fixed blade length limit using flat ground 5/32" stock with an OAL of 8-1/2. I am having the handle grips done in White Micarta, and am looking forward to having another one of Lynns fine knives at my disposal. A well designed and well made hand tool that can be used in a variety of settings. Exactly what I am looking for.
------------------
James
San Francisco, CA
[This message has been edited by stjames (edited 10 October 1999).]
In a recent discussion on the issue, Lynn Griffith, one of the few makers I have seen to unabashedly call himself a Tactical Knife Maker, stated that most of his clientele are LEO and Military, followed by hunters and outdoorsmen, and lastly by collectors. I commented that simple tool users such as myself might just be interested in a solid, well built knife with a strong, strait forward and useful design as well.
My interest was piqued by a Wharncliffe design offered by Lynn, The Sniper. It seemed like an excellent tool, and I was glad to hear from Lynn that his first criteria when designing a knife is just that. It is the additional requirements of the LEO in the field and a member of the Armed Forces on watch that has driven the other design aspects of his work, and the tactical field in general. Concealment, ease and speed of reliable deployment and truly maximizing things like size and weight ratios are all factors that can make a difference in a situation where life might hang in the balance. That, I have come to understand, is where Tactical comes into play.
Still, the knife mostly interested me as a tool. Lynn had one of his Snipers in stock, and I mulled it over for a few weeks before I decided to give it a try. It was a good thing I made up my mind when I did, as Lynn received several orders for the same model shortly afterwards. I consider myself fortunate to have gotten the knife, and am very pleased with its performance.
The Sniper, like all of Lynns Back Up Series of knives, is made of 1/8 ATS-34 stock. The knife is less than ¾ at its widest with a 3-3/4 flat ground blade on a mere 7-1/4 OAL. The point on the Wharncliffe is in line with the flat, strait edge of the blade, which reveals how true and flat the grind Lynn did is, since the blade naturally tapers to the point as the spine drops down the grind, getting thinner and thinner until it meets the edge in a narrow, precise point. A beautiful, simple design using the natural angles of the grind to enhance the blade geometry, the result being a fine, almost razor edge ending in a low, easily controllable point.
The grip, Black Micarta scales over the full tang of the handle, is a simple two-finger index and a small palm swell, not quite four fingers long and also quite thin, about 3/8 thick at the index and a hair less at the palm swell, and barely a ¼ at the middle finger choil. The contours reveal a nice, almost wood grain pattern in the Micarta. Lynn tells me the original version had a handle almost an inch shorter, for a three finger grip. The extra length was a good choice; the handle indexes well for such a slim piece of steel, and is very positive and secure when gripped tightly for strong slashes and cuts. But the slim size and weight balanced in the handle make it easy to twist the blade around and adjust your grip when doing the precise cuts and carves that the tip is so good for, like a good strait edged whittler.
I received the knife on Friday morning and was able to put it to use almost immediately. The Opera rents out productions that they have mounted in the past, so that means packing up and shipping everything from table lamps to 8 wide chandeliers. Lots of glass and crystal, much of it older than I am. We go through yards and yards of bubble wrap, long rolls of heavy plastic sheeting with lots of layers and pockets to snag the blade. Pulling the wrap up onto my bench from the roll on the floor, the low point and strait edge made clean cuts through the material along the edge of the table. The edge was more than keen enough to slice excess off of the pieces with an easy pass of the blade, and it made quick work of trimming down the cardboard boxes I was packing everything into.
The blade displays excellent toughness and edge retention. It can cut through 18/3 cable and #10 copper wire with an easy pull, and went through both hemp and polypro rope like a champ even after all that abuse. I took an old piece of 12/3 neoprene-jacketed cable and sliced it up like a carrot, just for fun. Lynn uses cryogenically treated ATS-34, and he gets great results. He took the time to discuss his process to me in some detail as well as the use of the steel in general. I have been very happy with some of the ATS-34 blades I have used in the past, and this one ranks amongst the best. This steel has been getting a bad rap lately, without people taking into account the treatment, grind and application involved. Just like all tools, the design and materials used will depend on the job it is asked to perform, and proper execution in producing the knife is key. Lynn seems to have optimized his materials for the task at hand, where durability in adverse conditions and maximum strength and toughness in a small package are a must.
Because I was looking at the knife and tying to evaluate it as more than just a utility tool I felt obliged to try the different carry options offered for this slim Wharncliffe. The basic sheath is a simple black rectangle of Kydex, just large enough for the blade and the fasteners along the edges, with a piece of gold paracord for neck knife carry. The two additional options are a multiple position Kydex belt loop and a Black Micarta clip that mounts for vertical tip up or tip down carry.
Enough has been said about the pros and cons of neck knives so I dont feel the need to go into it here, but the Snipers light weight and slim size are a big plus if thats your choice of carry. Low weight, low profile and lots of blade with very little imprint. Ill just say to each his own, and leave it at that.
I was much more impressed with the horizontal clip carry option that I used when my wife and I went out to dinner that night. I mounted the clip on the blade end of the sheath and suspended the knife handle down from my inside coat pocket, where a quick move would put the blade in my hand almost instantly. Strictly frowned upon by the local constabulary, I am sure. I can see why a knife like this would be perfect for a plain clothes or off duty LEO, the slim size and high blade to handle ratio combined with easy access certainly clarify the Tactical issue when it is slipped against your side. My wife didn't notice it the entire evening, even in close contact, and it would be easy to become accustomed to having a blade hanging there.
Saturday night I worked on the deck for a performance of "Louise" by Gustave Charpentier doing scene and act changes. This involves moving large amounts of scenery and lighting equipment quickly and quietly, and a Back Up knife, riding horizontal along the front of my belt with the grip just above the fifth pocket of my jeans, should come in very handy. Unfortunately, just about the only reason I had to pull the knife was to show it off, but it did afford the opportunity to try out this carry method in a more active setting than bench work. To say its convenient doesnt do it a justice, the knife was in my hand as quick as I could think of it. I wouldnt have known it was there if my hand were not drawn to rest naturally on the hilt. Almost unnoticeable, but then I was dressed in black from head to toe, as the job requires. I love my folders and usually shy away from carrying a fixed blade at work, but when you are carrying one it is always the first knife you reach for, so once again the Tactical aspects of the knife, low profile and ease of carry, aid in its overall usefulness.
Lynn has designed a specific tool for the job, and he has sacrificed little in the way of overall usefulness to do it. He has truly earned the title Tactical Knife Maker. The quality and workmanship of the knife is very high, it is a rugged tool with excellent fit and finish, a cleanly executed design.
I have already made arrangements with Lynn for a 4 Wharncliffe along the lines of his Belt Knife series, sized to fit within Californias fixed blade length limit using flat ground 5/32" stock with an OAL of 8-1/2. I am having the handle grips done in White Micarta, and am looking forward to having another one of Lynns fine knives at my disposal. A well designed and well made hand tool that can be used in a variety of settings. Exactly what I am looking for.
------------------
James
San Francisco, CA
[This message has been edited by stjames (edited 10 October 1999).]
