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 smaller Ultima models feature 4.95" full-tang blades of 1.4116 stainless steel with a light bead-blast finish. It is available with Razor-Sharp or Combination Razor-Sharp and Veff™ Serrated edges.
Serrated models feature our patented* Veff™ Serrated edges. Developed by Oregon City, Oregon, knife designer Tom Veff, these serrations are wide and angled at 60° to the edge. The resulting cutting points bite instantly and dig deep upon contact, slicing smoothly and effortlessly. They give dramatically improved cutting ability on rope, webbing, strapping, hoses and leather.
An injection-molded black polypropylene Ultima Trainer is also available.
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.
*U.S. Patent No. D559,939
- Blade: Length: 4.95" (125 mm)
- Thickness: 0.18" (4.5 mm)
- Steel: 1.4116, 55-57 HRC
- Knife: Overall length: 10.039" (245 mm)
- Weight: 8.4 oz. (238 g)
- Sheath (included with knife)
- Material: Cordura/Zytel
- Overall length: 13.0" (330 mm)
- Width: 2.875" (73 mm)
- Weight: 5.7 oz. (162 g)
No. of ratings: 1
Number of Reviews: 1
- Daniel
- 2009-10-19
Portland, OR
I bought this knife when I enlisted in the U.S. Army infantry and found out there is no longer an Army-issue knife. The tactical sheath is very functional and the front pouch is just the right size for an unsheathed Leatherman WAVE multitool (coincidence?). The blade is very sharp and the Veff serrations are extremely sharp (resembling shark teeth). The handle grooves are good for use in water/sand/muck and the hand-feel is superior. The pry-tip on the end of the handle makes for a nice place to put your pinky finger against.
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