Tell me about MOD Kestrel and Ladyhawk

K

Kevan Taylor-Perry

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Sep 3, 2000
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I've been eyeing both of these for a while now at my local shop. Anyone own one or both of these? How do you like it? This isn't to be a "use" knife, but a back-up carry knife. I really like the blade configurations and the compact design.
 
The Ladyhawk is a bit small for me to grip well, but it would be fine for a smaller hand. Beautiful design, otherwise. I have a manual Kestral, also small, but the "batwing" handle shape provides an excellent grip, and the slight downcurve of the edge makes it a neat working knife. Lay your thumb on the back of the blade like a saber grip and you can slice through any board or tape or binding. Sneaky little self-defense concept, too, because you can open soneone up before they notice the knife :eek:

(Edited to add: I do not cut humans. YMMV. Wash thoroughly if you do. :) )
 
Thanks! I appreciate the input! I'm going to have to have them out of the case to see which one fits my hand best. Being a small handed guy, it may be the Ladyhawk. If they both fit the hand, well, I guess the only way to solve that is to get both.:)
 
The ladyhawk is made by MOD, the Kestrel is made my Microtech.
Both quality makers. I would give MT the edge. I assume you are looking for a manual action and not auto. I also have small hands and the ladyhawk is a bit small, 3.32 closed with a 2.5 blade.
The kestrel is 4.2 closed and a 2.94 blade. The Kestrel can be had for $99. and the ladyhawk for $145. Since you like this blade style, you should also check out the MT Vector. You can also find better prices if you shop around. I am sure you will like any one of these as they are quality knives.
 
Personally, I have owned both, and neither had enough handle for my taste. I ended up selling them. My fav back up is a Spyderco SpyderHawk. Built on the Endura handle with LOTS to grasp, and plenty of hooked blade for any task I can (and have) found to date. Much less costly, too.

Oh and I cannot say this with 100% certainty, but I had heard that MOD models are made by the nice folks at Microtech. Sure did seem like similar quality and materials when I had my samples. I am sure that if this is wrong, someone will correct me.
 
I believe they have dropped the "lady" in "Ladyhawk" (now just "Hawk")...in any case, you would likely get a very favourable impression of the knife if you saw the Masters of Defense video...designer Graciela Casillas (and Black Belt Hall of Famer, undefeated women's champion etc.) designed the knife to 1) be very difficult to disarm 2) be extremely instinctive to use (you have to see her technique)...the video certainly enhanced my appreciation for the design!

RL
 
you have to hold the ladyhawk to appreciate how lethal it is
not very sheeple friendly
and...it's also very small
gets lost in big hands
so i'd suggest trying it out for size first
 
Get a MT Hawk!! Yeah its an auto, but I think you would be good to go in AZ if I am correct.
 
Esav,
I too thought that Microtech was one of the father companies of MOD, the other company being White Wolf. ?????
Matt
 
Originally posted by Jazzman
Esav,
I too thought that Microtech was one of the father companies of MOD, the other company being White Wolf. ?????
Matt
Click to expand...

No, All three are seperate. The owner of MT and the Owner of MOD were business partners before they founded there current businesses. And White Wolf doesn't even come into the picture;)
 
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