Predator

A large and heavy (467g with sheath, 318g without sheath) survival knife made of 80CrV2 steel by a Polish maker who brands his products as Manufaktura Black Hammer. The philosophy behind Black Hammer knives can be summed up in one word: durability, or in one sentence: an "all-purpose" tool for situations where you cannot count on a quick replacement. There are better knives for combat, more comfortable bushcraft knives, more discreet EDCs, and better blades for use in a field kitchen, but if the most important thing is that the knife does not chip or break, Black Hammer is definitely one of the best options, as long as you can afford it and have enough strength to carry it. This maker's favorite material is NCV1 steel, also known as 80CrV2. It is a carbon steel, and therefore prone to corrosion. The presence of chromium as an alloying additive gives it some rust resistance, but blades made from it are still usually covered with a protective layer. Knifemakers appreciate it on the one hand for its ease of processing, and on the other for its durability and resistance to mechanical damage (if you're going to baton, this is the tool for it). Internet sources state that 80CrV2 can be hardened in the 58-62 HRC range, but Black Hammer specifies a hardness of 57-58 HRC, which makes more sense for a survival knife. All knives are handmade, from cutting the profile to applying the grind. They are made as single pieces or in very short series. The sheaths are "custom-made," fitted to each individual knife.

The Predator is a full tang knife with carbon fiber handle scales. It features an American tanto profile with a partially ground spine that curves down towards the tip. The grind is a partial flat grind. The sheath is made of Kydex and carbon fiber.

Overall length: 262 mm

Blade length: 128 mm

Blade width (max.): 40 mm

Blade thickness (max.): 4.5 mm

Handle length: 132 mm

Producer: Black Hammer