"Hortensius" Tactical Combat Knife

Size: Length overall: 14.2" (36.0 cm), Blade Length: 9.0" (22.8 cm), Thickness: .250" (6.35 mm)

Weight: Knife: 1 lb, 4 oz.  Sheath: 15.0 oz.

Blade: ATS-34 High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, Bead Blasted

Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, Bead Blasted

Handle: Linen Micarta Phenolic

Sheath: Kydex, Aluminum, Nickel Plated Steel

Knife: This knife was custom made for a combat soldier in Israel. Hortensius is a beautiful study in curves and edge, the graceful sweeping curve of the blade a combination of shapes from historical pieces the world over. Hinting of a Khukri, a kopesh, and a Bowie knife, Hortensius has a massive recurve blade, fully hollow ground on the main edge, yielding an incredible razor keen edge. I left plenty of .250" thick spine in the high molybdenum stainless tool steel blade to support the cutting edge, and added a half length top swage taper ground at a low angle to decrease point penetration profile. This very aggressive blade has a large front quillon to protect the hand from sliding forward, and the curvaceous rear quillon and handle belly positively lock the hand into the handle in traditional or tactical style grip. The fully tapered tang reduces handle weight, allowing more energy to be applied to the blade mass at the sweeping belly and center of percussion. The client opted for a clean tang, with no filework to catch and hold debris, and high chromium, high nickel zero care bead blasted 304 stainless steel bolsters, dovetailed and fully reinforcing the knife, and supporting a through-tang lanyard hole for security when needed. The handle material is tough, strong, linen reinforced Micarta phenolic, bead blasted for a sure grip.

 Sheath:  The sheath is one of my combat grade, waterproof, tension fit models, made from double thickness kydex, 1/4" thick welts of 5052H32 corrosion resistant aluminum, and secured with nickel plated steel Chicago screws. The reversible belt loops will accommodate a standard 1.75" military web utility belt, and should hang on most belts or tactical gear.

This is a large, dangerous, razor sharp combat knife ready for the hardest job a knife can do.

Thanks, S.S.!