8″ Shiv
(AKA Pig Sticker)
The Shiv is made of CPM 3V. It is an 8″ modern combat fighter that was originally developed as a combat knife during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a heavy duty stabbing weapon that will not fail at a bad time. It can open a hole in a brick wall, pry open a glove box, breach a door and butter your toast. It’s also used by pig hunters.
The alloy and heat treat are optimized so the edge doesn’t have to be extremely thick in order to achieve this level of durability, so it is still thin enough that it cuts. They’re taken down to .020″ before sharpening at 20 degrees per side, so they are meat eaters.
The grip is designed so the blade can be held at an angle in the hand with the butt across the palm in order to project reach. Held this way this knife points naturally in line with your arm instead of jutting off to the side. The grip widens going up to a large palm swell which reduces slipping when used to stab. When held in a reverse grip, the scales flare out at the ricasso and fit the meaty part of your hand. The distance from the guard features to the rounded end allow correct placement of your thumb in a reverse grip. Between the grip features, reinforced point and distribution of weight, this knife is a tuned stabbing weapon.
The handle is ergonomically designed for a standard forward, reverse, saber and pinch grips for an average to relatively large hand. The tang is internally skeletonized for weight reduction and balance. The scales are 3D sculpted CNC machined. The blade is made of ¼” 3V with a heat treat that has been optimized to maximize edge stability in extremely rough use. The blade has a swedge grind that creates distal taper and deep fullers that, together with the skeletonized tang, create a relatively light weight package (10.7 oz) that is supremely well balanced with thoughtful and deliberate distribution of mass that gives it a surprisingly light and lively feel in the hand without sacrificing tip strength.
It is not stainless, but it has good corrosion resistance.
Specs for the 8″ Shiv:
CPM 3V, 60 HRC, .235” thick at ricasso
Total length 12.75”
Edge length 7.5”
Weight 11 oz
Extra grippy 3D machined scales
Black oxide treated 18-8 stainless steel fasteners
