Kim Erwin designed in partnership by SGM Jack Stottlemire (Retired), founder of Rustick Knives, and former Army Ranger and 1st SFOD-D Operator – who the knife is inspired after, and manufactured at Rustick Knives’ production facility in Ft. Bragg, NC, this specialty line of knives is made with the war-fighter in mind.
The Kraken, a mythical creature which has found itself at the forefront of today’s popular culture; highlighting its intimidating strength and power, is Erwin’s call-sign, depicting his undisputed size and strength – the same elements factored into the knives.
"Having served for 26 years as a Marine, Paratrooper and Special Operations Soldier, with 12 combat tours, I know firsthand that a war-fighter needs a good strong knife that is not going to fail," stated Stottlemire. "Just about every Soldier on the battlefield carries a fixed blade knife on their kit, it just feels right and is one of those essential items that we all must have. The Kraken knife series will give our fighters an added sense of power and fortitude in knowing they have one of the most powerful knives available to them."
After examining the Kraken’s design, Demara came away impressed by the labor-intensive edge geometry achieved on the Kraken’s 11.3-inch blade. According to Demara, “The business end of the Kraken reflects a unique but mature design. It’s one of those unusual configurations that leaves you wondering, why hasn’t everybody done something like this? Fair question. The Kraken’s differential edge geometry is a feature not common on production knives simply because it takes quite a bit more effort—and skill—to do it like this.”
In the field, Rustick’s Kraken proved its durability and refined ergonomics through a series of routine tests designed by the author. “Any test or task we threw at the Kraken seemed to indicate that it has benefited from the same level of care in the hardening and tempering part of its manufacture as it has from the skillful way the steel is formed, finished and coated. It held an edge both in the hollow-ground and obtusely-ground parts of the blade, and it quickly touched up with a flat diamond hone,” says Demara. “This knife was very steady and responsive in the hand, no doubt in part because of the secure grip it offers and the comfortable, curved angle of the handle.”
Specifications
Steel: Nitro-V
Lenght: 29,9 cm
Bladelenght: 16,5 cm
Thickness: 0,5 cm
Finish: Stonewashed
Handle: G10 black