What is a Reverse Edge Knife? - A Reverse Edge Knife is one in which when the knife is held comfortably in a point forward grip, the blade edge is "up" - instead of "down". If the knife is held in an "ice pick" grip, the edge of the knife is in towards the wrist. You can see pictures of these types of grips on the REK Technique page.
Are short, 3" blades, truly viable as combat knives? - A 3" blade is more than sufficient to reach almost all vital areas in the human body. Please review this video by Michael Janich and his company, Martial Blade Concepts, that demonstrates the cutting power of a box cutter and a 3" blade.
Used with permission from Michael Janich
What is CPM S30V steel? - CPM S30V steel is a proprietary steel alloy developed by the Crucible Service Centers corporation. S30V is a highly refined stainless steel alloy that has been specially formed by a proprietary process. First, the steel alloy is melted, and then forced through a spray nozzle: creating microscopic droplets of molten metal. The metal then cools, forming a powder. The steel alloy powder is then pressed together under high temperature and pressure into solid steel ingots. This process creates a steel with uniformly dispersed vanadium carbide particles. S30V is stronger, more corrosion resistant, has greater edge holding capabilities, and greater lateral sheer strength than comparable steels such as 440C, ATS 134, or D2 tool steel. CPM S30V is truly a "Next Generation" steel, and is used by many knife makers in their high end blades.
Why use 440C steel? - Some of our custom knife makers use 440C steel. Lynn & Cook Knives, for example, uses 440C steel that has been specially heat treated via a process that has been in their family for 30 years. Lynn & Cook differentially heat treats their 440C to a Rockwell hardness of 58-60C. This differential heat treatment results in a blade that is hard at the edge and softer at the spine - similar to the way Japanese swords were tempered.
Why do you use Linen/Canvas Micarta as a handle material? - Linen/Canvas Micarta offers some unique properties. Like wood, the linen/canvas micarta has moisture absorbing qualities that allow it to remain "tacky" when wet (such as with sweat, water, blood, etc.) This "tackiness" is a great advantage in maintaining control of your knife under extreme circumstances. Unlike wood, however, linen/canvas micarta will not crack, rot, or warp.
Will you make a custom knife of my own design? - R.E.K. commissions custom knife makers to build reverse edge knives based upon their original design. However, you may contact them directly via our links page and ask to commission a knife of your own design.
What does your warranty cover? - If your knife should ever fracture, send it back to us, we will repair or replace it free of charge. This warranty does not cover abuse, intentional neglect, or cosmetic wear. If you are active duty military (serving the U.S.A.), or sworn LEO, and you lose your knife in the line of duty, we will replace it free of charge (an official copy of the after action report specifically mentioning the R.E.K. knife is needed for replacement).
How hard are your knives? - Depending upon the custom maker, our knives have a hardness of 58-61 on the Rockwell C scale.
How tough are your knives? - Our knives are made from CPM S30V steel, and are designed to be nearly indestructible. However, they are cutting tools, and as such, a balance is made between cutting ability and lateral sheer strength. Generally, we believe that a blade thickness of 3/16" offers the best balance of cutting ability and strength.
Can I order another finish on your knives? - Perhaps. On occasion, we may order several knives with other finishes if we receive multiple requests for that specific finish.
What is the best way to re-sharpen my blade? - There are many excellent sharpening kits out on the market. The one we recommend is the Edge-Pro. Be sure to maintain the same edge angle as the original edge (this will vary depending upon the knife, and will be specified in the certificate accompanying the knife).
What is the delivery time on your knives? - If you see "In Stock" on our website, your knife really is in stock and available for immediate delivery.
How corrosion resistant are your knives / How rust resistant are your knives? - For all practical purposes, you do not need to worry about corrosion / rust. Even without oiling, your R.E.K. blade will practically never rust in your lifetime.
I am not a LEO / U.S. Military personnel, does the "at cost" price and free replacement apply to me? - We also offer the "at cost" price and free replacement to all emergency services personnel (Firefighters, EMT's, etc.). Please contact us for pricing.
Are R.E.K. blades legal for me to own/carry? - As the buyer, you are responsible for checking all city, county and state laws regarding knives and knife ownership. By purchasing a blade from us you affirm that you are not in violation of any local laws that apply to you.