Just got this EDC tanto. Here’s a comparison pic with my daily EDC for size comparison. Note the blades are the same length (3.5"), even though the tonto appears smaller. It’s made of 80crv2 spring steel. The handle ergos are excellent for my medium sized hands, although I think the knife could benefit from some jimping for an even more positive grip;
Carry wise, it drops into a pocket comfortably, and even in the sheath, thinner than that BM folder and all but disappears. The minimalist sheath is set up for IWB, which is a nice touch and smart idea. A fixed blade EDC is always a tough balance between size and comfort and concealability, this knife strikes that balance very well. I carried a ESEE Knives Izula-II, which I liked, but the blade length 2.63″ just a tad small for my uses. For me, the optimal fixed EDC is 3.5 - 4.00" to act like a “real” knife in most situations. but that’s me, so take for what it’s worth, but there seems a “Goldilocks” range of 3"-4" for a fixed EDC that’s comfortable and easy to conceal, but do what you need it to do beyond say opening letters…
I like utilitarian tools over flash (be they tool watches, firearms, etc) for a fair price for quality, and considering these are hand fashioned knives, and I’d say JP Bladesmithing has accomplished that.
If this knife was not designed specifically for EDC, a beefier handle would be nice, but not necessary per se.
I took it on a recent trip to Panama and it was a great little companion. I may be doing some collaborative blade with him as I forwarded some thoughts on my suggestions for turning this great little EDC into something even better.
I really like that knife and I have flirted with fixed edc a few times but have never did it.
Was one of your changes a bit more handle? When will see the Brink Custom?
That’s because he’s using 80crv2 spring steel (which is tough ass steel) vs say latest wonder steel and is developing his name/rep and seems to go for utility vs petty per se. My advice, get while the gettin’ is good. 80crv2 spring steel is a carbon steel so it does require a wipe down after use and the occasional touch of oil once in a while, but it’s hard use steel to be sure and a favorite of some who use. Putting the “spring” in spring steel:
Finally, while I do think many of the current super steels are either over priced and or overrated and very few people ever push their knife to the point they’d ever notice a difference, I have encouraged him to consider offering some models in say steels that are quality for value, like good D2 (such as BOHLER K110/AISI) or cpm 154, which covers carbon steel, a semi stainless, and a stainless.
Me, I think good D2 with a good HT is as good or better than any of the new overrated “super steels”
like any industry, you don’t get people to buy new stuff without convincing them the last thing purchased is inferior so they must get the latest greatest
D2 is good and is semi stainless with decent wear resistance. As long as it isn’t used for too much impact work, it will last, but is definitely prone to chip if done so. Its edge is more toothy than sharp, so it is a good hunting/skinning steel. 3V on the other hand will outdo it in all categories except maybe corrosion resistance although it also is semi stainless. It is a way tougher steel though and will chop the hell out of harder stuff with no damage and have a sharper edge.
I like the toothy edge D2 gives and it can be made very sharp if one wants it to be, but I tend to look for sharp enough vs ultra sharp myself. Depending on the properties one wants, there are better steels, but the rule of diminishing returns kicks in big time $ wise. Good D2 with a good HT is very tough steel. Speaking of CPM3V, I have a j Hossom Retribution for sale I will add to sales section shortly. Now that’s a knife…
Yes, or I just drop it into front pocket. The size and thinness allows that easily with that particular blade. The sheath is set up for IWB if pocket does not work/don’t want it in a pocket for what ever reason. Via pick in OP, while the blade length is the same as the folder, it’s way thinner and lighter.
Fantastic thread, Will. Those are amazing knives and prices for handmade, USA, clean lines, quality materials. I like the hunter tip version, and just ordered it based on your description for EDC.
Great! I hope you let him know where/how you heard about his stuff. I think you’ll be happy with the choice too. We are supposed to be collaborating on something, but not sure what the status is on that.
