The Shrike was initially conceived by designer Gavin Coleman in early 2017 as a purpose made defensive knife during his involvement in the development of The Maul , a combatives system which focussed itself around the use of knives. The experiences of this development and combative exploration was a major influencing factor in the design of the Shrike, and after several design evolutions it remains one of the most formidable defensive EDC knives on the market, and our most popular model.
The Pikal style was chosen for the Shrike due to its simplicity of function, but also its devastatingly destructive ability. The Pikal configuration offers the user the ability to deliver severe damage to an opponent with very base, and quite instinctive movement patterns. This style of knife has since become a hallmark of Ironside Edge Works’ and one of our specialties.
The Shrike hasn’t been tampered with in terms of its fundamental design. It features an ergonomic handle which allows for fast indexing on the draw, without snag points for concealed carry. The shape of the handle offers the user a secure and natural grip, which helps to drive the point of the blade with a neutral wrist. The blade is free hand ground from thick stock 80Crv2 to ensure a point that can be driven through thicker materials and survive the rigours of combat. The edge geometry is a flat ground on an inward curve blade, with a fine edge that does severe damage to organic soft tissues in those drag cuts so intuitive in Pikal work.
This is Shrike number SH207 and is a first for us. This is a beautifully appointed Shrike in our Tsukamaki handle style. The blade is a Hot Blued Mirror Polished finish, giving a deep, dark blade that exudes style. This knife features an element in the handle which has never been done before, that is the Damascus steel fittings. The Tsukamaki handle is finely crafted from multiple materials, with a Fuchi and Kashira made from V-Ladder Damascus steel, which has been subtly etched to reveal the layers. The Samegawa is black lacquered with black leather Tsuka-gawa wrapped to finish it. Our Tsuakamki is wrapped in the traditional style with hishigami and is executed extremely tightly and ready to use for practical EDC. This knife if finished with a fold over style Kydex Sheath and can be fitted out with Soft Loop or DCC HLR Clip mounts.
This is a beautiful knife, perfect as an heirloom piece but also ready to do the work as an exquisite EDC Defensive Knife.