The Archangel is the first real foray into the defensive Wharncliffe style knife. Deviating from our traditional Pikal models, the Archangel gives users a formidable and very effective forward grip defensive knife.
The Wharncliffe, to the uninitiated, may seem like an unlikely contender for an effective defensive knife. Popularised by Michael Janich of Martial Blade Concepts, and famed designer of the Spyderco Yojimbo, the wharncliffe offers users serious cutting power from the straight edge. The Archangel makes use of this extreme cutting power in its design and couples it with the robust frame of thick stock 80Crv2 steel. While it may not seem obvious, the design is also very capable of piercing and thrusting. The flat spine forces the edge into the cut, essentially helping it glide effortlessly through organic materials.
AK006 is a Custom Archangel and the first one created with a Tsukamaki handle. The blade is finished in our Antique etch which creates a random, aged appearance on the blade. The Tsukamaki handle has been built using various materials. The Liner base is titanium which is heat anodised and provides a very subtle colour variant. The Bone fittings are satin polished and attached with titanium pins. The Samegawa (ray skin) is left its natural white colour but is clear lacquered. The tsuka-ito is brown silk wrapped in the classic hineri-maki style and is not resin coated.The knots are of course very tight, but we can also resin coat the ito for you at no extra charge if you like – please note however some discolouration may occur if you choose to do this.
The knife is sheathed in a Fold Over style Kydex sheath and supplied with a Soft Loop for OWB carry, although it could be fitted with other mounts as well.