CRKT Ultima Tactical Fixed Blade Survival Knife (7″ Bead Blast) 2007

Today’s tactical fixed blade knives still resemble the first Bronze Age daggers of 4000 years ago, especially in their handle design. Michael Martinez, sculptor, inventor, and martial artist, didn’t start out to redesign the fixed blade, but he explains, “In my edged weapons training, I kept noticing how many knives didn’t feel right, didn’t have a grip that gave both control and comfort in the four fundamental tactical grips.” Michael’s design firm, Group Design, Inc., reached out to a team of medical specialists for the answer. Their Ultima™ achieves 22 out of 23 ideal contact points with its unique patent-pending handle.

The injection-molded black Zytel® scales feature over 70 triangular grip segments, separated by sipes, or “ooze grooves” which channel away water, mud and oil. Horizontal grooves are placed under the fingertips for optimum feel.

Because tactical knives are inevitably used as pry bars, Michael’s team created a butt pry tip as an extension of the blade tang, with a rounded tip.

The larger Ultima models feature 6.75″ full-tang blades of 1.4116 stainless steel with a light bead-blast finish. They are available with Razor-Sharp or Combination Razor-Sharp and Veff™ Serrated edges.

Tactical Sheath. The Ultima’s custom black Cordura®/Zytel® sheath has an injection-molded liner. Dual belt loops are Velcro® adjustable. For maximum versatility, there are ample grommets with a length of 550 paracord included, an adjustable leg strap, plus a slotted sheath back that can mount on MOLLE gear. Removable security handle straps with snaps give access and security. A utility pocket with a Fastex™ buckle will carry a variety of folding knives, multipurpose tools or sharpeners.

After 4,000 years of scientific progress, the only thing the Ultima shares with its bronze ancestors is its role in the mission.

Information from CRKT