The Shrike

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 Tier 1 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, with its original 1 & 3/4 Blade Configuration, 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.

The Tier 1 range finishes the blade in Matte Black Cerakote for a durable and user friendly blade, with little required maintenance. The handle options include Black G10, OD Green G10 and Carbon Fiber, which are textured in the Tsuka pattern, the original pattern which was first seen on a Shrike way back in 2018. The Shrike is housed in a Fold Over Kydex sheath with your choice of IWB or OWB Mounting.

The Tier 1 range is designed to offer an affordable utilitarian defensive knife option to those looking for an expedient solution. These knives are made in batches and sold in drops which are announced on our Social Media channels. If we don’t have what you’re looking for now, keep an eye out for the next drop!