2 February 2010
Courtesy of Steve Forgues
Being a police officer and volunteer firefighter, I believe that both professions need high quality knives. For police they could be used for defense purposes, but as a rescue tool for both. Although you will pay more for a high quality knife, you will save over time compared to the number of low quality knives that you will go through.
James Williams who is a well known martial artist and police/military instructor updated the centuries old design of the Hissatsu, a fixed blade knife. Although it was received well, requests were made and Williams designed a folding version of the Hissatsu, hence the development of the Hissatsu Folder (2003). Brand and designer reputation does give a knife some merit, but it isn't until it is proven through testing that it can live up to that reputation.
The Hissatsu Folder is made of AUS 8 steel, with a 58-59 HRC rating. The blade is 3.875" long, 0.15" thick and sporting a classical Samurai designs with a non-reflective black Teflon coating. For quick opening, the Hissatsu utilizes a patented assisted opening mechanism called OutBurst. Upon opening, the Hissatsu is turned virtually into a fixed blade through the use of their patented AutoLAWKS safety, more on that later. The handle or frame of the knife is made of a heavy-duty stainless steel InterFrame, with 0.059" 420J2 stainless steel liners, one of which is locking. For a secure grip, the black Zytel scales have been textured. With either hand, the blade can be quickly opened with use of a thumb disk. For transport, there is a Teflon plated stainless steel clip, which can be mounted on either side with just one screw. When closed, the Hissatsu measures 5.0", overall length of 8.75" when open and weighs in at 5.8oz.
Of all the knives that I have carried over the years, this was the first that had assisted opening. For those like myself, I have to let you know that there is a small learning curve to mastering the proper grip and opening technique. I have to admit that the first few times I opened it, it nearly sprung out of my hand. The Hissatsu was designed to not spring open until you have opened the blade roughly 30 degrees. The OutBurst mechanism can be easily disabled to meet regulations in some jurisdictions.
Upon opening, the liner lock activates. Unlike other liner lock knives, the Hissatsu blade will not be unlocked by simply pressing on the liner lock. Because the Hissatsu utilizes the AutoLAWKS mechanism, you must pull back on the AutoLAWKS safety lever, then press on the liner lock in order to unlock and close the blade. For this reason, is why it turns the Hissatsu into a virtual fixed blade.
Compared to other knives that I have carried, the Hissatsu is a bit heavier, but very comfortable to handle. The textured Zytel handle provides for a positive grip, but isn't rough. I have been carrying it for the last few months on and off-duty in a pocket of my uniform pants, jeans and lightweight nylon shorts. The steel clip has kept a positive hold in all those materials. Because of the placement of the clip, the butt of the Hissatsu protrudes from the pocket about 3/4", which makes it easy to grab and deploy.
Obviously you're not going to use this knife just to open letters, but for real life situations. So I headed out to the garage in search of things to cut and see what kind of abuse the Hissatsu could take. Everything from 1/2" braided rope, heavy duty nylon strapping to carpeting, it cut and punched through without a problem. I chopped at 2x4 studs, and sharpened a plastic tent stake. The locking device NEVER failed, and still holds a good sharp edge.
This knife on the CRKT website for about $100, but found it much less at other online sources.
Now onto the SOG-TAC Mini Auto. There are several variations available, and the one I received for review was the Tanto Black TiNi (ST-13). The SOG website describes it as an invigorating new design that looks like nothing else. It is compact, slim and specifically designed for action. I won't dispute that. Because this is an automatic knife, it is restricted to law enforcement and military. Some jurisdictions do allow EMS to have an automatic knife.
For those of you who like specs, here you go. The blade measures in at 3" long and 0.125" thick, with an overall length of 6.75" and weighs in at 2.5oz. The Tanto blade is made of AUS-8 steel, with a Hardcased Black TiNi finish, and the handle is made of hard anodized aluminum. Opening is activated by the press of a silver button. Let me tell you that when it opens, it opens fast, but doesn't have the same force that the CRKT Hissatsu has. The silver button is also the blade lock. There is a secondary lock as well. By sliding a safety button, it blocks the silver button from depressing completely, keeping the blade from unlocking and closing on your fingers. The pocket clip is a bayonet style that is reversible. I generally like to have a knife stick out of the pocket a little, making it easier to deploy, but this knife tucks into the pocket completely, exposing only the pocket clip. It took me awhile to get use to this, and had to think about it every time I pulled it out of my pocket. Now I grab and pull without any thought.
As with the Hissatsu Folder, I headed out to the garage for testing the SOG. I cut, punched and chopped at the same items as with the Hissatsu. Due to the size, it's not ideal for chopping, but it wasn't designed for that purpose either. It did cut through the rope, nylon strapping and carpet without any problems, and punched through the carpet easily. I found some 1/2" thick cardboard and slashed through it without a hiccup.
Because of its size, it is my first choice for carrying off-duty, and continues to be one of several knives carried on-duty.
The MSRP on this knife is $165, but doing a search online you can find them much less.
Stay Safe and keep that edge sharp.
