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.
Shrike SH219 is a classic Tsukamaki knife. The blade is laid out in the standard configuration of 1 & 3/4 edge and as a Satin Blued finish. The Tsukamaki handle is built on a polished brass liner with mirror polished black buffalo horn fittings which have some feint white streaks within it. The Samegwa is black lacquered with black leather Tsukaito wrapped over it. This is a real classy configuration which is really comfortable in the hand and on the body.
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.