Today’s tactical fixed blade knives still resemble the first bronze age daggers of 4000 years ago, especially in their handle design. Michael Martinez, inventor of the Merlin® knife deployment system, didn’t start out to redesign the fixed blade, but he explains, “We tested over 400 knives with the Merlin system, and I kept noticing how many knives, even expensive ones, didn’t feel right, didn’t have a grip that gave both control and comfort in the four fundamental tactical grips.”
Michael’s design firm, Group Design, Inc., reached out to a team of medical specialists for the answer, and developed new scientific criteria for handles, using the services of ergonomic experts, kinesthesiologists and a designer of surgical tools. They determined that the ideal knife handle would have 23 points of contact with the hand. Their Ultima™ achieves 22 of those contact points with its unique patent pending handle.
The injection molded black Zytel® scales feature over 70 triangular grip segments, separated by sipes, or “ooze grooves” which channel away water, mud and oil. Horizontal grooves are placed under the fingertips for optimum feel. The scientific placement and crisp edges of these segments results in the best possible contact for Conventional, Reverse Conventional, Ice Pick, and Reverse Ice Pick tactical grips.
Because tactical knifes are inevitably used as pry bars, Michael’s team created a butt pry tip as an extension of the blade tang, with a rounded tip that is equally useful opening a junction box or breaking a window.
The Ultima’s 6.75” full tang blade is 1.4116 stainless steel with a light bead blast non-reflective finish. It features a modified Tanto shape, dual taper ground for maximum strength. It is available with Razor-Sharp and Combination Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated edges.
The Ultima’s custom black Cordura®/Zytel® sheath has an injection molded liner. An integral belt loop gives conventional high carry, plus a removable adjustable drop leg extender and leg straps allow low carry. Security handle straps with snaps give access and security, A utility pocket with Velcro closure will carry a variety of folding knives, multipurpose tools or sharpeners.
