KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife

Every EDC kit - the gear you should be carrying with you every day, needs to include a edged blade. Whether its a folding pocket knife, a fixed blade knife, or a utility knife, everyone should have a sharp tool in their "toolbox." Early mankind invented the sharpened edge because of its utility and usefulness for defense, hunting, and utilitarian duties around the cave. There's no good reason to not continue the tradition of toting a blade with you each day. I've had days when I left a knife behind, and ended up needing to puncture or pry at something using the house keys. No excuse, especially with all the knives I've collected over the years.

Most conceal carriers will have a gun AND a knife on them to be better prepared for any situation. Using a gun should be a last resort because deadly force carries a heavy weight with it, while a knife used as a second line of defense (after trying to deescalate a situation) is a viable option. Many police officers and other law enforcement have a knife on their duty belt for the same reason. While folding pocket knifes are easier concealed and less intrusive, a fixed blade is more useful in a fight. Just like how you carry a gun, a knife should be easy to access without fumbling around. KA-BAR has made a line of knives that fit that role perfectly.

KA-BAR, the makers of the iconic military blade, have collaborated with the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) to a line of quality fighting knife to the market for civilians and LEO alike. Simply called the Law Enforcement Knife, the KA-BAR TDI line features several different configurations of blades, varying in blade shape, length and grip color. All of the knives are designed under one concept: the theory that your primary weapon can become hindered or compromised. An attacker can grab for your holstered weapon, or your gun can jam or simply run out of bullets. Each TDI Law Enforcement knife is designed to be effective for up close and personal, close-quarters scenarios. Combined with a belt mounted sheath intended to be easy to draw and ambidextrous, this knife suits lefties or righties and is ideal when clipped to the opposite side of the belt that a pistol holster in on. If your drawing hand is hung up or out of the fight, the TDI's angled grip is easily and very quickly accessible by the other hand. While the shorter TDI blades may seem underwhelming, its smaller profile is easier to conceal under a shirt or jacket and is plenty sharp and dangerous when being attacked within grappling range. Using punching, slashing, or stabbing, the TDI will make quick work of an attacker who is too close to see it coming. Of course it's practical for cutting open packages or boxes too, but the grip angle will feel a bit different than traditional in-line knife designs and take some getting used to.

The sheath the TDI comes with is a simple polymer injected shell with a reversible belt clip. My TDI came with a Flat Dark Earth colored sheath. Out of the box it was setup for a right side carry, but I ended up swapping it to the left side for carrying with a holster on the right. The edge was pretty sharp, but could use some light honing. The AUS 8A Stainless Steel has a black finish that may wear over time, but it helps keep the blade concealed instead of a reflective polished steel.

The larger TDI LE knife comes with a MOLLE compatible sheath. While less ideal for belt carry than the steel belt clip of the smaller TDI, the MOLLE straps make this knife perfect for carrying on a tactical vest, plate carrier or other tactical items with the webbing system. The angle of the grip facilitates mounting the sheath more on the side panel for easy access without sacrificing room for magazine pouches. The straps also seem reversible to the other side of the sheath for customizing it to your gear and strong/weak hand. Note that the grip angle makes pulling the knife downward from the sheath if mounted inverted on the left or right chest requires more force, and the blade will not be pointing in a safe direction. Ask me how I know. Mounting with the grip handle pointing up makes it so drawing the knife leaves the edge and tip pointing away from yourself and towards your potential attacker.

For under $50 on the shelf, this is a great little self defense knife that I actively try carrying with me whenever I go out, with or without a carry gun. With a wide variety of blade shapes and styles its nice to be able to pick your preference. It's the popular choice for a lot of on-duty and off-duty cops, and its easy to see why it's popular with us average joes as well. If you are looking for a do-it-all knife I would probably choose a different tool, but for a heavier focus on self defense and easy of carrying on a standard belt, the TDI knives are on point.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement knives are effective for close-quarters defense. Each one is designed to be easy to draw, sure when gripped and ambidextrous.

Target Market:  LEO or civilians, EDC

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• AUS 8A Stainless Steel
• 0.20 lb
• Fixed Blade
• 2 5/16" Blade Length
• 5 5/8" Overall Length
• 15 Degree Edge Angle
• Drop Point Shape
• Hollow Grind
• Zytel Handle
• Hardess: 57-59CR
• Made in Taiwan
• 0.125 Blade Thickness

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black non serrated, Tan Zytel serrated

What others are saying?: "This is an excellent knife. It takes and holds a keen edge easily. The grip is easy to hang onto even in wet conditions. The sheath mounts firmly to the belt in such a way that it is nearly impossible to remove accidentally. It holds the knife firmly, so that it will not fall out, but is easy to remove and replace when necessary. It also has a very attractive finish which protects the blade from corrosion." Brownells User Review

"Great knife, sheath and clip. Attaches securely on inner belt (under duty belt) and stays put. Easy draw and return to sheath. Grip is secure and blade comes very sharp. The grip-blade angle are very well thought out. I like this knife so much I wear it off duty as my EDC. Great product." Brownells User Review

Price point:

• MSRP: $61.38
• Retail: $42.99 Brownells

I need it now! Availability: Brownells, Amazon or many online stores

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Easy to reverse belt clip for left or right side carry, or inside the belt on opposite side
• Grip angle is very fast to draw in either hand
• TDI LE series features several different blade styles for your selection

Cons:

• Grip angle reduces leverage for linear cutting
• Zytel grip texture is too minimal for adequate grip
• Larger TDI LE knife has MOLLE straps instead of a standard belt clip, with no factory way to achieve it.
• Larger TDI LE knife is more difficult to unsheath

Score: 7.5 Good

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

SOG Snarl Knife

The SOG Snarl knife found its way into my shopping cart pretty quickly, almost automatically. I had no intention of even browsing the knife section during the grand opening of Washington State's first Bass Pro Shop location. As I was making a B line to the firearms counter, this precocious little blade caught my eye, and I knew it would be a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas... for myself! I own plenty of knives, but none designed for EDC, or everyday carry.

Sure I have pocket knives, in fact it seems every other year I lose one and have to replace it. Folders end up getting left in pockets, or borrowed and never returned. With the frequent disappearance of my knives, I fell out of practice of carrying one each day. Upon seeing the Snarl by SOG, I had a feeling I was going to hold onto my next knife for awhile.

The Snarl is a fixed, very small tactical claw. It is constructed from a single piece of 9CR18MoV Satin finish stainless steel thats been CNC machined into a "sheepsfoot" style blade with two round finger holes for versatility in grip. The design of the knife comes from a custom knife maker named Jason Brous, more famous for his "functional fantasy" knife designs. Right away you can tell the inspiration for the knife came from brass knuckles, however it's very difficult to use the petite Snarl in the same way, and you would probably break a finger or two if you tried to use it that way.

I picked the Snarl up for myself because I saw its potential as a multi-role knife. The sheepsfoot design makes the Snarl suitable as a skinning knife, box cutter, scraper, and concealed self-defense blade (in a very desperate, less than ideal situation due to its size.) You're not likely going to intimidate an assailant if you brandish the Snarl, because its not really a face-to-face fighting knife. The nature of the Snarl is to be concealed and deployed covertly and accurately, much like a pocket pistol in a small, relatively under-powered caliber. When close enough, the grip design of the Snarl facilitates punching, jabbing, stabbing, and slashing... a real nasty tool if you are trained / proficient in extremely close quarters, extremely aggressive tactics. If you are neither of the above and concerned about self defense use, you may be better off getting a larger knife thats more traditional like a Kabar or boot knife.

Depending of the size of your hand, some positions for holding this knife will be more comfortable than others. If you have big monkey mitts, the Snarl may be entirely uncomfortable to hold and use. The two and a half finger holes suggest a three fingered grip for firmest hold, however this strains the hand. I found it best to put my index finger through the first finger hole and middle finger in the outer half circle hole. The spine of the Snarl has large line serrations for positive grip, which also aids in unsheathing from the belt line or included neck chain. Be warned, the outer half hole doesn't have enough of a bevel to keep your finger from sliding up and getting sliced.

The Snarl comes paired with a hard nylon sheath thats able to be clipped to the belt in a horizontal position, or hung from the neck with a supplied ball necklace. The sheath's belt clip is also reversible for left or right handers alike. I found the clip to be less than confidence worthy as it doesn't clamp as securely to the belt as I'd like, and is easier to remove or slide around than it should be like an Uncle Mike's basic holster. Its best to position the clip behind a belt loop, so it stops the sheath from sliding forward when drawing the Snarl. A tighter clip or dual smaller clips would probably perform better.

The retention of the blade is very solid and hasn't yet loosened noticeably. Re-inserting the snarl into the sheath is still a bit hard to get used to do to its curved spine and size, but the mouth of the sheath has a round inlet that frees the front finger hole, so two to three fingers can be used to draw with a very firm grasp.

This knife and sheath combo are small enough to be unnoticeable, yet the knife is just big enough to be useful. For some with bigger hands it may actually be too small to be comfortable in the hand, and impractical for self defense. However for me, it perfectly fits the role of an EDC blade. The edge has held up well after a light honing from day one. I've used it to open stubborn plastic packaging, sharpen sticks, and cut bailing twine.

I really do enjoy this knife, even though it is a mass-produced blade that is more at home stuffed in a Christmas stocking than a Bug-Out bag. While I don't see it as comparable to other "tactical" knives in utility, construction, or comfort in the hand its petite design will be on my side or under my shirt for the foreseeable future. For the price point, it makes a great functional and unique gift to mostly anyone who practices the EDC lifestyle.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Jason Brous designed a "functional fantasy" Snarl knife that features a 9CR18MoV stainless steal blade. It's like a brass knuckles/SOG mash-up.

Target Market:  Every Day Carry, Concealed Carry, Outdoorsman (Fishing, Hunting, Camping)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 9CR18MoV Stainless Steel, Satin finish
• Sheepsfoot design
• 14 horizontal serrations on spine for better grip
• RC. 58-60 hardness
• 4.3" overall length
• 2.3" blade length
• 1.90 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: None, satin stainless only

What others are saying?:

"I was pretty excited to receive this SOG/Brous collaboration. It's a solid little knife, thick piece of steel and feels like it could take a beating. The sheath has good retention and easily clips onto your belt. The included clip only supports horizontal carry -- maybe a small teklok would provide other options (although I'm not sure about that). Despite liking the knife, I just can't get used to it. I know this is a very popular Brous design, but I just can't figure out a way for me to hold the knife comfortably. I've tried various grips but I don't feel as if I have control of the blade with any of them. I have pretty regular sized hands but whatever I do it's just pretty awkward." Amazon User Review

"The blade comes a little dull, I intentionally dulled it even more along with wrapping/burning 550 cord around the rear finger hole. Reason being, this "knife" is more of a high stress weapon. This is meant to be used in conjunction with gross motors skills I.E. punching, jabbing (nasty up close inside fighting). Considering the draw and striking style used, I could see me cutting my middle finger so I dulled it down. I wouldn't dare do this to the silent soldier II but hey, this is only thirty dollars. Pros: Awesome sheath very secure, quality steel. Cons: Potential weak point at base of blade (should be beveled outward) and the sheath clip can only be mounted for a side draw, which I love but some wouldn't." Amazon User Review

Price point:

• MSRP = $55.00
• Retail = $32.99

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at Amazon or other SOG dealers

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Versatility: designed be held in multiple ways and carried in two ways, praised as a neck knife
• Blade edge has held up well
• Thickness of blade spine adds to durability and controllability / helps make up for short overall length
• Sheath has good retention and is reversible for lefties / righties

Cons:

• No matte black finish option
• Short grip area and medium finger holes may prevent use from larger handed users, or cause hand fatigue
• Metal thins near bottom of blade/first finger hole (potential weak point if used to pry)
• Edges of finger holes need cordage wrap or dehorning as edges are pronounced
• Sheath's belt clip is limited to horizontal orientation
• Belt clip doesn't secure to belt enough, prone to sliding or easily coming off belt

Score: 7.0 Good

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

MTech USA Fixed Blade Survival Knife

"Even when the world is at peace, a gentleman still keeps a blade by his side" - Wu Tsu

A good survival blade is a staple to any kit, not just a "survival" kit, hunting pack, or any S-H-T-F bug out/bug in bag. Some may choose a folding knife for ease of portability and concealment. For others, a fixed blade is more utilitarian and I couldn't agree more. More than just cutting, stabbing, or prying can be done with a good, solid, one piece construction knife. It can be affixed to a straight branch for a classic Lord of the Flies style pig sticker! Most fixed blade knives are also serrated on the spine for the ability to saw as well, and thats exactly what I have in this Mtech USA Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife.

Although the packaging only indicates this knife as model HK-106280, this blade is known online as the MTech USA Fixed Blade Survival Knife. MTech USA is a brand under Master Cutlery. This 11" Tanto style full tang knife is made from 440 stainless steel with a 90 degree crossguard (also known as a quillion) and has a cord-wrapped handle. First, my evaluation of the blade: It comes fairly dull out of the box as most blades do. It took a sharpening well after a few minutes on a diamond sharpener, but not too easily like other "cheap" knives. 440 Stainless steel will lose it's edge sharpness with use more than Carbon Steel, so a diamond sharpener or wet stone would be a must to pack with this knife. The price point did worry me, as most steel knifes around the $20 mark would be rubbish. This isn't Kabar or Gerber quality, but its not poor either. I personally like knives with crossguards to this degree, as it assists with lashing it to a stick, or otherwise protecting your gripping hand when sharpening and cutting.

The cordage is not 550 paracord and seems to be a weaker variant. I wouldn't rely on it as shoe string, let along as a snare or any type of binding material that I depended on. I plan on replacing with the 550 which is an easy and cheap remedy.

The knife comes in a nylon sheath and it is actually well constructed. The edges of the sheath are reinforced with the stitches seem pretty solid. There is a little pocket sewn onto the front for the fire starter, a Ferrocerium Rod. It also comes with the same cordage as a lanyard but in black. It doesn't produce a big spark, so remember Spanish Moss is your best friend. I still plan on packing a lighter.

This is a decent knife for the low price, which I believe comes from it being made in China. But for a coming of age teen or a cheapskate looking for a beater of a knife, this would fit the bill.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Solid construction and functionality at an affordable price.

Target Market: Hunters, Campers, Survivalists, Outdoor Recreationalists, GI Joe types

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 11" Overal Length
• 6" Matte Finish
• 440 Stainless Steel
• Full Tang handle
• Tanto with saw serrations on spine
• 5" Green Cord Wrapped Handle
• Magnesium Alloy Fire Starter
• Nylon Sheath

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Matte stainless with OD green sheath and cordage only, other models with different finished available here.

What others are saying?: “My wife bought this knife for me a week ago after I told her my buddy had invited us to his cabin for a weekend. When I tell you I used this knife for EVERYTHING, I kid you not. The blade on this is solid and the parallel “saw” like blade made this knife so much better. The fire starter works better than matches and is much more accessible. (At least for me, I tied mine to the knife when I got it) The nylon sheath for storing is a nice touch, especially when you want to keep this knife on your pocket, which you definitely will.  I would definitely recommend this item." - avila user, Amazon.com Review

Price Point: MSRP: $24.00 Retail: $10.93

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+-Price is good!ri +-Sheath is adequate and stores firestarter rod - -Cordage is not 550 paracord quality-Cord --440 Stainless Steel will lose it edge quicker than other higher grades, so bring a sharpener!

Score: 7.0 Good

EOD Robotics Breacher Bar Review

The EOD Robotics Breacher bar is a pretty simple tool. It’s basically a flat piece of steel with a chisel-type tip and a “blade”, and it’s got a few holes in the handle end. The “blades” are not sharpened, but are more of a starter edge. I believe this is because the Breacher Bar is intended to be more of a prying tool than a knife. It is a very thick piece of hardened steel, so it can withstand some serious prying. The front corner is beveled, making it look like a tanto-style blade. This is for prying under smaller things, like nails, staples, and paint can lids. Their website also claims that it is great for opening crates and punching through steel drums. There are four holes in the handle. Two are close to the butt, in line with the center of the blade. The other two are closer to the blade. One of these is centered, and the other is closer to the edge. The three along the centerline are there for use with cordage, to make handles. The other is a little more mysterious. I don’t remember where I saw this tip, but someone suggested that it be used to turn the tool into a handle, for pulling things. You can run a piece of cord through it, and use it to pull, for example, a large log. If you do use this as a t-handle for pulling, I would recommend wrapping the blade end with a protective cloth, especially if you choose to sharpen it, but that is recommended against (see note at end). They also state that the holes are there to aid you in lashing it to a branch or bar to provide more leverage.

Right after I got this, I had some repairs to do to a fence. The previous owner of our new home had done some weird modifications that messed with the integrity of the fence. I had to tear the old boards off, while salvaging the existing posts. The Breacher Bar made short work of those boards and nails. When I was done, I stabbed it into the dirt, to keep from losing it, while I finished repairing the fence. I had forgotten it there overnight. The next morning, I remembered it was there. It had rusted a little, but not really too much to worry about. This is to be expected from high carbon steel, though.

Here is a demo video from County Comm:

And a video on how to make the handle:

Here is their super-not-sarcastic-at-all CYA statement:

Here's What Our Over-Protective Legal Department Has To Say: Although the EOD Breacher Tool was developed and designed to enter the real world of urban combat, and with a little work with a file, belt sander, grinder, stone or a rock to it could be sharpened and converted to a Deadly stabbing or slashing instrument we can't recommend it. Likewise, the flat on the handle end should not be used as a skull or rib crusher or for performing other blunt trauma. Sorry these are not returnable. Be safe, and don't play with matches or run with scissors.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Incredibly tough pry bar.

Target Market: “EOD Robotics developed this compact breaching tool with input from Bomb Techs, SWAT Operators and Patrol Officers.”

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 1045 High Carbon Steel
• Heat treated to over 45 Rockwell Hardness
• Pry bar or lever
• Incredibly tough
• Can be pounded on
• Holes for handle making and other tasks

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  It is only available in the raw-steel gray, but would be easy enough to paint.

What others are saying?: “They're good for hammering, improvised chiseling, prying, breaking stuff :), etc. They make great gifts too!” - JS_280, EDC Forums

Price Point:

• MSRP = $19.95
• Retail = $19.95

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the Breacher Bar from County Comm, or directly from EOD Robotics, although I believe they are the same company. When you go to “Contact” on EOD’s website, the email address is for County Comm. I would recommend going to County Comm for it, because they have tons of other cool items that you’ll probably want to pick up.

Our Rating:

+_Sturdy and hard +_Holes are provided for many functions +_No instructions needed! +_Multiple prying surfaces +_Made in the U.S.A.

-_No handle included

Score: 8.0 Great

Three Circles Knives, Satori Tanto Review

If you have spent anytime outdoors, it becomes apparent very quickly that a quality knife is a must have tool.  Whether you're just out for a small ganter in the woods or on an epic two week hunt in the backcountry, a solid dependable knife is a must have!!

There are so many uses for a knife in outdoor environments, it’s ridiculous.  They can be used for hunting, skinning a fresh kill, a cooking utensil, cutting up your prized tri tip, pry bar, screw driver, cutting wood for a fire, the list could go on and on.  Let’s face it, your backcountry knife cannot fail.

Enter the Satori Tanto Knife from Three Circles Knives.  The ninja of ancient Japan used “Sanmitsu”, which means three circles, to help prepare themselves for a challenge they may face.  The Three Circles stands for action, thought and word.  “Satori” means enlightenment in Japanese which Travis, the founder of Three Circles Knives, found fitting for their first knife.  The “Tanto” blade has been around forever in weaponry history.  Tanto is a blade pattern often associated with tactical knives due to its exceptional stabbing ability from a reinforced tip design.  The Tanto blade was introduced into the United States in the 1980’s.

Due to the Tanto pattern and it’s strength in design, this knife, which was crafted from a solid piece of 440C stainless steel, is absolutely indestructible compared to a typical folding knife.  Everyone knows you can’t go out into the backcountry without a fixed blade knife.  This knife is so reliable that I carry it with me everywhere.  I just keep it in my vehicle and when I know a pocket knife isn’t up to the task, I grab my Three Circles Tanto Knife.

I do have a few complaints about the knife.  The price is high.  Now, do I think this knife is worth the cost?  Absolutely!!  I believe in the buy once cry once theory.  I guess you could consider this my crying.  I was also disappointed with sharpness of the blade out of the box.  Now don’t get me wrong, most manufacturers have a tendency to send dull blades out of the factory.  This knife felt extra dull.  Would that keep me from purchasing this knife?  No.  A quick little sharpening session got me comfortable in handling this battle blade.

Do yourself a favor and check out Three Circles Knives.  They have some “Factory Seconds”, or blemished knives on sale right now that will get a Satori Tanto in your hands at a fairly decent price point.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A fixed blade 440C stainless steel survival/camping/every day carry knife.

Target Market:  This knife is geared towards a man’s man.  If you find you find yourself outdoors, hunting, hiking, camping and doing manly things, this knife is for you.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• 12 inch overall length
• 6.5 inch Tanto blade
• 3/16″ thick 440C Steel
• Kydex sheath
• Multiple carry options: Paracord or MOLLE clip
• Paracord color options for handles or maybe you prefer camel bone
• Several finishes to choose from: Cerakote -Black, Flat Dark Earth, Satin

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:

• Several finishes to choose from: Cerakote -Black or Flat Dark Earth, Satin finish

What others are saying?:

• From AverageHunter.com   - “These knives are built for abuse and the will take whatever coconut or washed up car tire you throw at it.  The pictures don’t show you just how tough these knives are.”

Price Point:

• MSRP = $225-$300 Depending on options
• Retail = $125-$300 They have some “Factory Seconds” knives on sale...better hurry!!

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at ThreeCircleKnives.com

Our Rating:

+ Super beefy knife!! Feels unbreakable + The fit and finish on the sheath is amazing + The blade is cut on both sides of the knife + Did I say it was strong?  Durability is not something to worry about with this knife

- Blade was pretty dual out of the box - $$ Cost will be a turn off for many - Sheath rides high on the waist with mounting options

 Score: 8.0 Great

Greg Bakken Links:

Greg@firearmsradio.tv

Tactical Paradise

Cold Steel Master Tanto

There are some brands that when you hear the name you automatically think, “its gotta be good!”, and Cold Steel has always been on that list for me.  When I was about 16 years old my grandfather passed down a fixed blade Cold steel Master Tanto that he had taken in a gun trade years ago.  The funny thing is, it was my dad's partners knife on the police force years earlier.  Boy... were there stories about this knife that I now hold in my hand. Stories of prying open car doors, among MANY other tasks that I would never dream of putting a blade through! But all that aside, this knife still looks like it has been carefully cared for it’s entire life.

It features a Kray-Ex™  space age rubber like material for the handle and  a six inch VG-1 San Mai III® blade.  the blade is super hard steel on the outer edge but seems to have a softer steel in the middle, which makes sharpening to a razors edge pretty easy to do...even for an amateur knife sharpener as myself. The fixed blade goes all the way through the handle and has a shiny brass hilt.

There really isn't much more to say about this awesome blade than….. IT WORKS! It’s super sharp, holds an edge like a champ, it’s there for fine cuts such as trimming meat, or hacking a leg bone off a wild turkey when cleaning it with one swift whack.  This knife has been around for well over 20 years and I suspect the one I hold in my hand will be around for quite a few more years. The Master Tanto comes with a fairly hefty price tag in a market flooded with cheap knives but there's one thing for sure, its quality will outlast a dozen of the cheapies.  I have ONE complaint… the leather sheath it comes with has a poor design belt loop and Velcro strap...but they do sell a hard concealex sheath and I would advise getting one!

 Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Super sharp and very durable.

Target Market: Knife collectors, police, military and hunters.

FNB's: (features and benefits of this product)

• 6”, VG-1 San Mai III® blade
• 5.5 “ Kray-ex rubber like handle  “ will not crack or rot”
• Broad tanto style blade
• Blade Length: 6"
• Overall Length:11 1/2"
• Weight:9.5 oz
• Blade Thickness: 3/16"
• Handle:5 1/2" Long Kray-Ex™
• Master Tanto

What other options or finishes are available?:  Black handle with satin brushed blade.

What others are saying?:  The Master Tanto (and its larger siblings) are remarkably well made... I have a fixation for Tanto's and the more hardcore ones at that, and apart from one other maker, I have yet to find a Tanto that compared for durability, comfort of use (even extended use) and sheer power in doing what the design was born to do... and that is tear stuff apart... violently.  Read more 

Price Point: 

• MSRP: $399.99
• Retail:  $215.65

Our Rating:

+ Super durable + Extremely sharp + Quality made (will last a lifetime...or three)

- High price tag - Poor sheath design

Score: 9