Ultimate Equipment M1911 Standard Knife

JPD1998

JPD1998

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Messages
3,565
I stumbled on this knife completely by accident and can honestly say it was an impulse purchase. I know it’s not the first time someone has created a knife as a tribute to the venerable Colt M1911 pistol, but as far as I know, it’s the first time a knife has been designed to accept M1911 grips. So you can have a knife and gun combo that share hand grips.

The included grips are beautifully finished stabilized rosewood and appear to be quite functional as pistol grips too.

The knives are manufactured in Canada, in relatively small batches. In fact when I tried to buy a second knife from the dealer they were already sold out.

You can Google Ultimate Equipment to learn more about the maker and the other designs they produce. The knife comes in quite a few configurations including a steel upgrade and a compact model. The manufacturer mentions that the blade steel on the standard model is American produced 440C (not bad for standard steel).

When the knife arrived, the first thing I noticed was how nicely it was packaged (I supplied a photo). Included in the box is a pocket clip, belt pouch and a tool to remove the grips or install the clip.

After looking the knife over for a few minutes (and even though I’m right handed), I realized that this knife is truly an ambidextrous design. The lock can be released by either hand and the supplied pocket clip can be installed on either side (tip up).

I was also very impressed with the design of the lock. It’s sort of a lock-back style but with the release at the front. The lock release button resembles the mag release of a M1911 pistol.

The knife is very well made and a nice change from the multitude of knives on the market that look so similar.

If you have large hands then this knife is for you, it’s a handful.

I haven’t used the knife so I can’t say how it holds up to regular tasks, but it was sharp out of the box.

I think the pictures can speak better, so have a look. You can buy the knives directly from the manufacturer, but they can be purchased for less at regular dealers.

Specs
Blade Steel: 440C Stainless Steel (USA)
Blade Hardness: HRC 57 - 59
Blade Thickness: 0.154" / 3.95mm
Blade Length: 3.5" / 90mm
Overall Length: 8" / 205mm
Weight: 8.11oz / 230 g
Locking Mechanism: Hammerhead Lock (patent pending)
Finish: Satin Polished

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IIRC, Wilson used to make a fixed blade knife with 1911 grips, but I don't remember a folder. That's actually a pretty nice looking knife.
 
VA27 said:
IIRC, Wilson used to make a fixed blade knife with 1911 grips, but I don't remember a folder. That's actually a pretty nice looking knife.
Click to expand...

I think they are planning to make these in a fixed blade version.

My wife even commented that it was a nice knife and she usually doesn't pay any attention when I show her a knife. She actually held it in her hand :)
 
It's not the most comfortable knife I've ever held and it does feel a little awkward at first. But I have small hands, someone with big mitts would probably like the feel of the knife.
It's also a little on the heavy side , but I actually like heavy folders.

BTW , your review of the Schrade Survival knife prompted me be to buy one, it's a great knife.
 
I have two of these already and a third one in the mail as I write this. I really love the design and it fits my hand perfectly, large hand. The newer ones coming out this month and in April have the thicker, flat ground blade. The two I have come with a .130" blade, but these have now been thickened to .157", think ZT0200 thick blade. Both of the ones I have, and the one coming, have the black finish. The grips are really nice, I have the Rosewood and the Black G-10, with Ebony coming in the mail. Don't know if UE makes the grips or procures them elsewhere, but they are well done with nice checkering and double diamonds. I'm thinking about getting a set of ivory micarta grips, checkered, for the newest one coming.

All three, counting the one in the mail, have 440C blades and the HT has been spot on with these as they take a very sharp edge, with some staying power. I'm hoping to get a S35VN bladed one in the satin finish and tan grips at the end of the month.

Btw, the fixed blade model is already out at some of the stores that sell UE knives. Looks real nice and I suspect I'll be getting one of these as well.:thumbup::)
 
The UE folder I ordered is in the mail and will be here this coming week, Tues/Wed if it has smooth sailing. I have a Generation III model coming. The two I currently have are Gen II's. The difference between the two Generations deal with the blade, and this concerns an upgrade to a thicker blade, and the flat grind it will have. If there are other changes I'm not aware of them. I'm getting another 440C model, and it will be my third one. I'm planning to test this knife a little more than I've tested the other two simply because I'm going to be off work this coming week enjoying some vacation time I've finally decided to use! So stand by and I'll bring the results.:thumbup::)

PS. Just so you know, I am really impressed with the two I already have. The design just comes together in this knife and the handling is excellent for me. I'm planning on getting the new fixed blade model UE is making at the end of this month.:)
 
My Gen II knife functions perfectly , from what I read above he offered a replacement knife.

Give the guy a chance, it's not a month... then post your experiences in the appropriate sub forum.
 
I am very disappointed.
I payed for one m1911 at Ultimate Equipment website, but I never received the knife. I´ve never received any answer for any email I sent to them either.
 
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