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None of those BS 'mystery steels or secret
heat-treats' - just straight forward, quality knife making at
affordable prices for the professionals,
military personnel, law enforcement, and just plain
good folks!
I appreciate your time & consideration of my products. Newt
Livesay
SPECIFICATION PAGES FOR 1095, D2, & A2L HIGH CARBON CUTLERY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED
BY NEWT LIVESAY
BACK
The original Newt Livesay 117 COMBAT FIGHTERÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay 117 COMBAT FIGHTERÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design has a clip point styled blade, and is deeply hollow ground. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the 117 COMBAT FIGHTERÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The 117 COMBAT FIGHTERÔ is made from a solid bar of LAMINATED tool steel. The center is center section of the blade is A2 tool steel that has been "sandwiched" between two pieces of mild steel. This process is very expensive to manufacture, but is extremely strong. As a final process the company heat-treats the center layer of A2 tool steel too a superior 60-61 Rockwell on the “C” scale. The outside layer is soft making for a blade that can be bend (I do not advise it) 90 degrees and not break. The special triple layered steel comes from Norway, and is pre-heat treaded before being shipped to us. This blade is ground hard, and then DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures in our shop before the knife is assembled.
NOTE: THE 117 SERIES NUMBER 117 & 117-4 HAVE BLADES MADE FROM LAMINATED TOOL STEEL
Short history of 117 series Combat Knives - Indicates first production date(*)
1st Model 6 2-13-1991* (6" blade) A2L tool steel blade, 6 inch fighter with finger grooved MICARTA handle. Spacer pattern: blade, ¼ inch yellow brass guard, red, brass, black, 1/8 inch red MICARTA, black, brass, red, MICARTA handle.
Model 117 late 1991* (7" blade) A2L tool steel blade. Last old style Model 117 made 6-12- 1996. This knife has the same handle spacer pattern as the Model 6 above. There was a variation pattern made on request.
Model 117-2 12-16-1994* First seven (7) 117-2 Tactical Combat Fighter made. Serial numbered .001 thru .007 made from A2L tool steel, flat ground blades.. (First ` of the FORCE XXI Series), 5C tool steel blade. .
Model 117-3 1095 tool steel blade. Flat ground blades. The differences in the Model 117-2 and the Model 117-3 is as follows. The 117-3's are hollow ground 1095 tool steel. Spacer pattern: 7 inch blade, ¼” stainless steel double guard, black, red, black, white, black, 1/8 inch red MICARTA, black, white, red, black, white, brass, black, white, MICARTA handle, handle screw in butt. Single finger groove, number two style handle
Model 117-4 2007 A2L tool steel blades. Special run 33 knives only. Serial numbered 1 of 33, through 33 / 33
NOTE: SPACER material pattern determines model - year production - and other features.
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The Newt Livesay 101st AIRMOBILE COMBAT FIGHTING KNIFEÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay 101st AIR MOBILEÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is a willow leaf or spear point, and is deeply hollow ground. The taper-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target that could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the 101st AIR MOBILEÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The 101st AIR MOBILE is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The Newt Livesay 82nd AIR BORNE COMBAT FIGHTING KNIFEÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number One Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number One Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay 82nd Air BorneÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is a willow leaf or spear point, and is deeply hollow ground. The taper-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target that could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighters.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the 82nd Air BorneÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The 82nd Air Borne is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The AIR ASSAULTÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay AIR ASSAULTÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is that of a hollow ground, and the clip point-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the AIR ASSAULTÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The AIR ASSAULTÔ is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled. PRODUCTION NOTES
The Newt Livesay BOW HUNT'N BUDDYÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay BOW HUNT'N BUDDYÔ The blade design is a drop point style with a wide cutting belly, and is deeply hollow ground for superior cutting abilities. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of bigger knives; but is more at home opening bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE or food packets, processing game, or cleaning birds and fish for dinner.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the BOW HUNT'N BUDDYÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’. An optional carry system that you can order is a beautiful heavy duty leather pouch sheath that can be hung on the belt.
The BOW HUNT'N BUDDY is made from a solid bar of one-eight inch thick 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The Newt Livesay BUSHIÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay BUSHIÔ has a high single flat-ground blade for superior strength, and cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but it does have some utilitarian aspects. The blade design is that of a modified “tanto” with a taper-profiled tip that will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. When looking down the spine on a BUSHIÔ the blade has a very noticeable curve. This ‘bend’ or curved blade is formed into the blade during heat treat. This knife design screams pure combat fighter.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the BUSHIÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The BUSHIÔ is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
{UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
The Newt Livesay COMMANDOÔ was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay COMMANDOÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but may have other utilitarian capacity. The blade is double edged with both edges being deeply hollow ground. The clip-point top edge will deliver devastating back cuts to a target that could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighters.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the COMMANDOÔ comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô
The COMMANDOÔ is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The COMPANY KNIFETM was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay COMPANY KNIFEÔ has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is that of a clipped point profiled ground top edge that will deliver devastating shock to a target when used in a back hand slash. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the COMPANY KNIFETM comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc In The Waist band sheathing systems Ô ’.
The COMPANY KNIFETM is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
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The new G-45/2 {G-45 slash 2} is the newest design for this great little neck knife, and it is now being ground from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel. Profiled, ground, differentially heat treated, triple drawn, and then DeepCryo Quenched at sub-zero temperatures too an impressive 59-60 Rc. The new serration atop the knife spine lends its self to an optional full belly on the blade, plus a serration for cutting cord, cloth, fiber, etc. The theory on the top serration of Livesay knives is that more strength can be delivered for cutting with the upward pivot-point of the elbow, than a pushing downward motion. The pivot of the elbow in conjunction with the arms bicep lends to a massive cutting point. This feature can be found on numerous modified second series type knives of Newt Livesay such as the Sniper, 101st Air Mobile, 82nd AirBorne, Air Assaults, and now the new G45/2. Model G-45/2 December 2006 found Newt Livesay looking at a new series of G-45 knives, but not until July of 2007 was a new series or batch put into the manufacture cycle. No original scrap from the original G-45 knives or the original series of laser cut blades still existed in our shop. The newest G-45/2 are hand cut from a single bar of 1095 high carbon before being drilled, and ground.
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The HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVERTM was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVERTM has a deep flat-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is flat ground, and the clip point-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEXTM sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVERTM comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVERTM is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVER TM SECOND SERIES was designed around a modified ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ A slight drop has been incorporated into the new knife's handle like the earlier designs of Newts like the Model 115, LAK4, LAK5 knives. The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVER TM SECOND SERIES has a deep flat-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. The new HKR-2 also has a slight more belly designed into the leading cutting edge, and is one-eight of an inch wider in the blade. It is primarily design is that of a combat utility knife, but has can be used in a fighter capacity. The blade design is flat ground, and the clip point-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
As one Special Forces Officer said referring to an original HKR," Newt's knives are so well made you can cut a Volkswagen into with it. Hell the sheaths is so tough it could be used to kill a water-buffalo."
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEXTM sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVER TM SECOND SERIES comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systemsÔ ’.
The HUNTER KILLER RETRIEVER TM SECOND SERIES is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
The INTEGRAL COMBAT UTILITYTM was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay INTEGRAL COMBAT UTILITYTM has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat fighting knife, but can be used in a utilitarian capacity. The blade design is that of a hollow ground, and the clip point-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or utility knives; but is just at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the INTEGRAL COMBAT UTILITYTM comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems Ô ’.
The INTEGRAL COMBAT UTILITYTM is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
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The LAK8 TM is constructed from a solid bar of one-eight inch thick 1095 high carbon tool steel. The blade is ground to a extremely useful double edge, differentially heat-treated to a superior 58-59 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and then triple drawn.. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
LAK8 Over All Length: 23 inches Blade Length: 17-1/8 inches Cutting edge: 14-1/2 inches Handle Length: 5-1/2 inches Handle Material: Hardwood Oak, Hand finished & Oiled Blade Material: 1095 HC Blade Thickness: 1/8 inch Blade Grind: Hollow grind Blade Finish: Powder Coated Sheathing: KYDEX lined Cordura, Belt Ambidextrous Production cost are being studied, but price will be under $50.00 - s&h extra (First run edition - NOVEMBER 15, 2007 - TOTAL PRODUCTION RUN FOR 2007 is 100 units only) CONTACT TO BE PUT ON LIST top of page
The Newt Livesay LITTLE PECKERWOODtm was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style Handle.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay LITTLE PECKERWOODtm The blade design is a drop point style with a wide cutting belly, and is deeply hollow ground for superior cutting abilities. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of bigger knives; but is more at home opening bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE or food packets, processing game, or cleaning birds and fish for dinner.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEXtm sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the LITTLE PECKERWOODtm comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed KYDEX Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems tm ’. An optional carry system that you can order is a beautiful heavy duty leather pouch sheath that can be hung on the belt.
The LITTLE PECKERWOODtm is made from a solid bar of one-eight inch thick 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
NRG Model #701, "NRG TM NON-MAGNETIC FIBER KNIVESTM The NRG TM Non-Magnetic Fiber Knife is a covert, sterile, fiber knife that leaves no finger print when scanned by electric surveillance items. This knife is made of a pheno-resin based compound, and woven cloth for superior strength for it's intended job. The NRG is designed as a last ditch back up blade where the ultimate in stealth and concealment is necessary.
"WARNING"
The NRG TM fiber Knife is designed for FLESH ONLY! The NRG knife is designed so that the blade will break off in the target to maximize severity, and lethality of the wound. The NRG is best used a thrusting or stabbing tool, and the blade will break off when lateral pressure is applied to the handle.
When we ship NRG neck knives out to our customers we put three (3) sets of warning on, and/or in the package. These warnings are for the "morons," and "liberal do gooder" who are out to screw some one over, or save us from the world. If you don't understand what I am saying do not buy this knife or anything else from us. .
Here is a couple of example;
"The NRG is a non-magnetic, low profile, covert carry knife. For legal reason;
[this knife is for instructional and/or study only!]
"It should be noted that this tool might be considered as a weapon, and carrying of such items into airports, federal or municipal buildings, onto school property, etc., might constitute a criminal act." Use some common sense.
The NRG TM Fiber Knife is one of our best sellers due to the price. There are people or companies that sell knives made out of plastic, or fiber-glass(?), etc., for prices from $2.00 up too and over $150.00. We will give you a better value, and product for $20.00. This is one hell of a value, and a great knife.
The NRG comes housed in a KYDEX neck sheath, and has a length of 550 parachute suspension cord attached.
{UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
NRGS {UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
MORE
INFORMATION AND UPDATES ON THIS KNIFE WILL BE POSTED TODAY
The NRGS has been upgraded with a new type grind. This new grind makes for a much stronger blade.
RECON COMBAT MACHETE The RECON COMBAT MACHETETM aka: RCM, RAPID DEPLOYMENT, RECON. is an original combat/utility machete design by Newt Livesay, and was manufactured by the Wicked Knife Cutlery and Manufacturing CompanyTM facility in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The Livesay designed RECON COMBAT MACHETETM Newt Livesay and the Wicked Knife Cutlery and Manufacturing Company manufactured the first RCM in {UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
RECON COMBAT MACHETE ARTICLE ~ TACTICAL KNIVES
We would like to thank Tactical Knives a division of Harris Publication, Inc. for permission to reproduce this article in reference to the Recon Combat Machete RCM
CONTACT: www.tacticalknives.com Harris Publications, Inc.Deep in the jungle, you'll learn the literal truth about whether or not a blade can cut it!
By Jeff Randall
As I thumbed the July ‘98 pages of Tactical Knives one article in particular grabbed my attention - ‘The Wicked Man and His Knives,’ - a well-written piece by Jerry Vancook profiling Wicked Knife Company’s (WKC) Newt Livesay. Even though the article was intriguing, it wasn’t the life and times of Mr. Livesay that piqued my attention as much as an enclosed photo and brief mention of a blade known as the Rapid Deployment. Since jungle guiding is a part-time business for me, I hold a keen eye for any new bushwhacking blade that hits the market. Immediately I contacted TK editor Steven Dick, asking more questions than a bladesman should have to answer: Have you tried the knife? If so what did you think about it? How did it work as a clearing blade? Is it a good chopper....and on and on.
So what’s the big deal over a stout ugly knife that hardly received remark in the article?
From the photo this appeared to be a no-frills blade designed to do serious work - something of a rarity in this particular market niche. In my opinion most wilderness knives seem to have been conceived with good intentions only to fall short once they’re in the thick of things. Or they’re some piece of whetted steel with a gimmick, such as the latest sharpened crowbar or exotic material that usually adds more to the price than work value. Whatever happened to simple carbon steel blades that work without the need for gadgetry or superman advertising? Nowadays, many knife companies bidding for wilderness business advertise beautiful photos of their product bent out of shape, stuck through steel plate or severing free hanging rope. Maybe I cling to old-fashioned thinking, but when it comes to tools I sort of liked the simple Sears & Roebuck mentality of satisfaction guaranteed with no questions asked. A simple "if it breaks, bends or fails to perform then send it back" attitude would suffice for any product good enough to handle the torture tests shown in the ads...wouldn’t you think?
Enter the Rapid Deployment.
"PREACHIN’ TO THE CHOIR"
Since I was beginning to over-stay my welcome at quizzing the TK editor, I turned to Newt himself, impressing on him how the South American wilderness depended on good blades capable of handling everything from skinning out game to chopping through large palms. Newt patiently allowed me to ramble on before revealing that the blade pictured in TK had seen plenty of jungle time. Several south-of-the-border DEA agents use the blade as a ‘dope chopper’ and more than a few soldiers have them clinging to their web gear while training in the jungle. After 45 minutes of discussing the blade, Newt ended the conversation by saying, "The Rapid Deployment is what you’re looking for. Try it out and if it doesn’t do exactly what you want then send it back and we’ll make a blade that will." Enough said. There's no need to further explain particulars since I was obviously preaching to the choir. The new blade arrived 2 weeks prior to our next Amazon excursion.
JUST HOW GOOD IS THE RD?
Before we get into how the Rapid Deployment performed, let’s look at the requirements for an all-around bush blade. In a tropical environment you need the heavy cutting and slashing ability of a machete, as well as the fine work attitude of a sheath knife. Sure you can - and should - carry both, but it seems to be a challenge with most wilderness folk to attempt more with less. Give a serious woodsman one knife that can whack a trail through thick bush, chop shelter poles, whittle trap triggers, and dress out game for supper, and he would be in sharp steel heaven, baring his teeth at anyone who threatened to take this new best friend away. There are several blades in the marketplace that meet these requirements, but none that do it for the price/quality ratio of the Rapid Deployment. The test blade received from WKC is a solid piece of heat-treated 1095 carbon steel 3/16 of an inch thick with a 12 inch cutting surface and 18 inch overall length. A flat grind tapers from the cutting edge to the spine of the 2 inch wide blade. Finishing out the Rapid Deployment is black oxide over a bead blasted surface and fitted with canvas Micarta handles. Shove all of this into WKC’s specially formed Kydex sheath and you’re ready for braggin’ rights in the bush.
Before hauling the RD down South, I decided to run it through a few standard tests stateside. The first being showing it off to everyone that would pick it up. I noticed the first comment always seem to be how good it felt in their hands - even from those not accustomed to using blades. The balance and grip combination makes the blade feel much smaller than it really is, somewhat of a natural extension to your arm. Watching others handle the piece was amusing since it’s one of those psychological pieces that instills immediate confidence just from gripping - much like the first time you placed your hands around a samurai sword. The one problem I found with the RD was in the original edge configuration. It was ground a little steep for good bushwhacking in vines and small vegetation, but an hour’s worth of re-shaping and re-sharpening had the blade up to speed in that department. The blade took a barber’s edge well and continued to hold it’s sharpness throughout tough work - a sign of ‘just right’ heat treatment. Shaving out a few fuzz sticks and some past-time whittling were easy using a choked-up grip and the tip of the blade. Delicate trap triggers or skinning chores would be no problem for this knife. The chopping ability is awesome, tearing through small hardwoods with the ease of a hand ax. The blade also worked good in draw-knife mode for cleaning poles and stripping inner bark for cordage material. After spending a day with the RD in the home-town woods the edge was holding up well, so it was just a matter of wiping clean and packing away for the trip to South America.
JUNGLE DEPLOYMENT
Clearing Customs in Iquitos, Peru was a treat. The agents were so impressed with the looks of the RD when I retrieved it during bag inspection, that Customs facilities seemed to halt as several of the agents gathered around admiring this ‘short machete.’ After we finally made it through the circus it was time to head straight for the Amazon jungle. Hitting the jungle the blade immediately began to see use. Over a 2 week period the Rapid Deployment built several A-frame thatch shelters, dug numerous cat holes and shelter pole holes, chopped tons of vegetation during hikes, cleared log-jammed waterways, and butchered several Caiman for dinner. It did all this well...excuse me...exceptionally well ! Again, I can’t say enough about how good this blade feels in your hand. Using it for extended periods doesn’t tire your wrists and arms like a machete. No wonder it’s such a popular tool among the DEA agents chopping large areas of marijuana.
After a hard day’s work, the edge was easily brought back to hair-splitting sharpness with a standard flat diamond hone and 10 minutes of time. The finish held up as expected for carbon steel blades, accumulating some surface rust but easily removed with a pinch of mud before the nightly sharpening. As for the Kydex sheath, it made it through the jungle with flying colors and proved to be as durable as the blade it houses. A big squared-off design utilizing rust-proof brass hardware and a large drain hole to keep the inside dry. Cordura nylon retention straps hold the complete unit to your belt or web gear. Also supplied is a lengthy piece of para-cord to further secure the rig if needed.
Before my introduction to this blade, I always required two knives for jungle work - usually an 18" Ontario machete for bushwhacking and a sheath knife such as a KaBar for the finer stuff. The Rapid Deployment takes the place of both. If you’re looking for a good wilderness knife that bridges the gap between machete and sheath knife while retaining the values of both, then this blade is a dream come true. I always wondered where Newt got the name ‘Wicked’ Knife Company, but after using the Rapid Deployment that question has been laid to rest. This is definitely a serious tool made for wicked wilderness.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLE ON THIS KNIFE
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The
way we found out that this knife was being made with the same name (RTAK) was
when we started getting production knives not made by us back for warranty or
rework due to warped, and wrinkled blades. At this point standard production
of this knife was halted because I (Newt Livesay) did not want our superior
quality blades to be compromised by the copies that were being dumped on the
market. For those who ask, and make remarks to the same on
different forums: Newt Livesay "has never made a single cent for usage of this design by Ontario Knife Company,
or anyone else, and do not have any connection or collaborations with
anyone in reference to this product what so ever."
Improved replacement knife for the Livesay RTAK is the LAK5, A more user friendly machete with a much safer handle design was incorporated in June of 2003 after a trip to the Amazon Jungle. The newer knife was christened the LAK5 Livesay Adventure Knife number 5, aka the “Safety Model”. The new handle design on the LAK4, and LAK5 series of Livesay Survival Tools is far superior in handling for both the professional and novice user than that of the old RTAKs.
Do you have an original LIVESAY RTAK? Is it for sale or trade?
Articles about the Original RTAK: TACTICAL KNIVES JAN. 2000 --
Editor Steven Dick looks at the RTAK!.
FEBRUARY 2000.....RTAK review in AMERICAN SURVIVAL MAGAZINE
Short History of the
SNIPER TM
knife. Originally it was designed
and manufacture originally for my friend Tim Able who was one of the stars in
Soldier of Fortune, Inc., the television series. Timmy played the part of
Benny Ray Riddle
the sniper in
the series. Tim is the guy with the flat top on the left of
this post. Tim who is a X-U.S. Army Airborne Ranger is very knowledgeable
of combat and utilitarian cutlery. Tim wanted a user style knife to carry on his LBE in the movie, and settled on the Sniper design. I made some other knives for
the series including This knife has been copied by a major U.S. knife
manufacture with the exceptions of the handle; a round stick handle was put on
the wantabe. The knife has been slightly disguised by a couple of (quote) custom
makers as their wonder knife design. Duh!
The SNIPERTM is one nice design, and is a very basic knife that should last the user for years if not a lifetime if taken care of. The SNIPERTM makes a great hunting knife lending itself to skinning with the best of the high dollar customs. A full sweeping belly will lay open tissue with a single swipe. It is compact, and like my friend Tim Able said, "It is all the knife anyone would need." If you happen to have any of the old Soldier of Fortune Inc, videos watch for the SNIPER, WASP,(Photo Spec Link) and my all time favorite of the big knives the "HKR" or Hunter Killer Retriever that is carried by Mark Shepard, who played Christopher 'C.J.' Yates. By the way Mark is also X-military Bristish Spec-ops, and one truly nice guy. Since SOF, Inc., Mark has carried the HKR in numerous other movie and television episodes. The WASP was carried in SOF, Inc., by another buddy of mind named Real Andrews who played Jason 'Chance' Walker. I still keep up with all three of these guys, and talk to them on the telephone when I can.
< MARK SHEPPARD
The SNIPERTM was designed around the ‘Livesay Number Two Style HandleTM.’ The ergonomically designed Livesay Number Two Style handle is a masterpiece that lends its self to superior handling, and security by either the skilled professional or novice user; even when you up to your elbows in the mud and the blood. With a critical eye for performance, the Livesay SNIPERTM has a deep hollow-ground blade for superior cutting abilities. It is primarily design is that of a combat utility knife, but can be used in both a utilitarian or fighter capacity. The blade design is that of a hollow ground, and the clip point-profiled ground top edge will deliver devastating shock to a target; this could be vital for the solution of your mission. With a reinforced ground tip, the blade can delivery cuts, stabs, or slashes with the best of combat fighter or any other utility knives; but it is at home opening ammo cans in the field, bean cans on the hiking trail, MRE packet, skinning game, cleaning fish, or digging a fire placement pit in the big sandbox.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the SNIPERTM comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed Snap-Loc leg sheathing systems TM ’.
The SNIPERTM is made from a solid bar of 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
SOP S.O.P. Standard Operation Procedure TM The S.O.P. Neck Knife is the first neck knife that was made by Newt Livesay. It is a very low profile neck knife that weights less than 1.5 ounces. It is a simple design, and very compact with a flat ground 1-3/4 inch blade, and is hand honed from a piece of 1095 (5C) high-carbon tool steel. The S.O.P. is then heat treated to 59-60 Rc, and triple drawn for a clean efficient cutting tool. The S.O.P. is housed in a KYDEX sheath with a length of 550 Parachute Suspension Cord. A special locking notch (patent applied for), and blade indicator locks the knife into the PUSH-SNAP(tm) KYDEX sheath. I am truly surprised how many police officers, highway patrol officers, federal law enforcement officers, military personnel, and just good people that have bought this knife. These customers tell me they open boxes, cut fan belts, radiator hoses, scrape parts, clean fish, skin deer, cut rope & chute cord, or what ever? The S.O.P.'s versatility is only limited by your imagination. Hung around your neck, under your dress tie, or slip inside your sweat-shirt while jogging this is the ultimate little backup knife.
{UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
U.S. MARSHAL {UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
UJI UJI TM which means "Clan" or "Family" is a fitting name for this time proven warrior's blade. It is the UJI TM that we can live with, and depend upon.
The Newt Livesay UJI TM is an original knife design from the Wicked Knife Cutlery and Manufacturing CompanyTM facility in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The Livesay designed UJI TM is an original fighting knife design of Newt Livesay. It has been manufactured by Newt Livesay and the Wicked Knife Cutlery and Manufacturing Company since September 1998.
The first model 147, UJI TM was first made on February 10th, 1998. This knife was not parkarized, but instead had a "satin finish." I marked this UJI TM knife with a carbide tool on one slab side with the words "PROTOTYPE .001 2 10 98", and on the mark side my name was hand signed. This knife was stolen at "Wannamaker's Tulsa Gun & Knife Show in April of 1998." (It is on the NCIC crime files) I started turning out production models of the UJI TM on Thursday the 12th of February. No production UJI TM knives have serial numbers. A very limited custom D2 Air Hardened Tool Steel knives have been made for custom orders. When looking down the spine on a UJI TM the blade has a very noticeable curve. This is not just a "bend" blade, but a curve that is formed into the blade during heat treat by placing the red-hot blades in a "jig."
Over the last few years I have developed a couple of knives that have a curved blade made into the finished knife. The first of these curved knives was called the EELS knife. The curved blade lends itself to a very nasty cut when applied to flesh. I am not implying that you should cut anyone, but the early curved blades (EELS) are for that purpose. The curve blade of the UJI isn't a good design for whittling, etc., but it does lay hidden very nicely against your inter-forearm when held in a reverse style. This knife has a profiled “Tanto” style clip that will deliver devastating trauma to a target, which could be vital for the solution of your mission. The Micarta TM handles on the UJI TM are superbly ground a ergonomically friendly grip; it is then grooved for superior handling even when wet.
Newt Livesay is one of the premier and original designers of KYDEX sheaths for knives and other weapon systems, and the UJI TM comes housed standard in a ‘Livesay designed In The Waistband sheathing systems.’
The UJI TM is made from a solid bar of one-eight inch thick 1095 high carbon tool steel, differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C” scale, triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled.
A PAIR OF ORIGINAL WASP MADE FOR THE TELEVISION SHOW "SOLDIER OF FORTUNE.Inc" BOTH KNIVES ARE HEAT TREATED BUT UNSHARPENED. ONE KNIFE WAS TO BE USED FOR HARD WORK, CHOPPING, ETC, IN THE MOVIE AND THE OTHER FOR CLOSE UPS. THE TWO KNIVES WERE TO BE WORN IN A SPECIAL HARNESS OVER THE SHOULDER AND ACROSS THE BACK BEHIND THE HEAD BY MY FRIEND & ACTOR "RE'AL ANDREWS" THESE ARE EARLY MANUFACTURED KNIVES WITH THE SHARPENED TOP CLIP ALSO. BOTH KNIVES ARE MARKED NEWT LIVESAY, WASP, AND NUMBER 1 & 2 WITH A HAND ENGRAVED WASP ON THE BLADE. SOF IS STAMPED ON THE BLADES. {UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN]
WOO
WOO; is an old and powerful word in the Fighting
Arts World. A mutual friend, and customer of mine introduced me too
two friends of his who were in America studying. The two men were
members of an elite "Para-Military Swat" team on the Singapore
Police Department. Both of these men were students in a major
university here in America, and were teaching martial arts part
time to make extra money. One man had a symbol hanging from a small
golden chain that hung around his neck. I ask him what the symbol
meant? the young man wearing the symbol wouldn't say, but when he
walked away my friend and the other Asia Military/Police Officer
told me what the symbol meant. "It is a powerful symbol called
WOO. WOO is a powerful Chinese word, and the literal translation is
don't mess with this person. WOO is power, WOO is a person who can
defend himself, WOO is deadly force."
I truly liked the sound of the word "WOO", and
its meaning. I have always wanted to make a knife that I could name
after this word. About one year after this meeting a businessman,
customer from Denver, North Carolina, faxed me a line drawing of
one of my knives known as the "Little Pecker." He had modified the
blade, and wanted to know if I could make it? I made five
prototypes that were hollow-ground on both sides of the blade, and
gave them to people to test or play with.
Although everyone that
had gotten one of the prototype liked them ......... I didn't. I
like the basic shape of the blade, but not the finished design or
grind on the blade. In January of 1997 I was grinding an order of
knives for another customer when for some reason I picked up one of
the blanks of steel that had been cut out for the WOO style knives.
It took less than two minutes to grind a high single grind on the
mark side of the blade, and modified the tip with a couple of grind
maneuvers. I stopped , and held the blade up looking at the
finished unheated knife: I was thrilled with it's appearance.
The rarest of the WOO knives is the Soldier of
Fortune 20th Anniversary WOO made in 1998 for the
Soldier of Fortune,
Inc., Magazine Company out of Boulder Colorado. Col.
Robert K. Brown is the creator and brains behind this highly
successful magazine. If you have not read this fine fact
finding magazine then you need to buy
a copy or even better purchase a subscription. The Soldier of
Fortune magazine is a one of
a kind highly "accurate" non-Politically Correct publication of the truth.
Only a total of 500 WOO knives were made for the SOF, and had the
stamp SOF 1 of 500 with the SOF logo stamped on the back of the
blade. The stamp was destroyed after the knives were
finished. This is a highly sought after item from what I am told. 
{UPDATE ON THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE COME AGAIN more photos, more specs]
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| Model Number | (1) | OAL | (9.3/8") | Blade Steel | 1095 carbon |
| Blade Length | (4.7/8") | Blade Thickness | (.125") | Handle Material | Micarta |
| Sheath Material | (KYDEX) | Sheath Design | (ITW) | Carry System | Belt Optional cost |
| Heat Treat | (59/60Rc) | Cryo-quenched | (Yes) | Heat Treat Draw | Triple Drawn |
| Blade Grind | Single Convex Bent Tanto Blade | Weight | () | MSRP * | $100.00 USD |
"DISCONTINUED KNIFE"
ONLY THREE OF THESE KNIVES WERE EVER MADE ~ Two (2) ea. standard models from 1095 steel, and one (1) ea. Damascus steel.
The YU Tanto is made from a one piece bar of virgin 1095 high carbon tool steel. The metal its self has a roller forged surface with a single convex ground blade on the mark side of the blade. The knife comes standard with a satin finished metal blade, brass guards, and exotic woods, horn, bone, or other handle material. Custom one of a kind "sculptured" blades are also available. The YU overall concept is a classic proven design carried by warrior for centuries. With this in mind a new modern stylized knife named the YU was conceived and made by Master Knife Maker and Designer Newt Livesay. With a critical eye of performance designs, and Newt's knowledge of metal and differential heat treating a harmonious balance was achieved with the YU. Blending pleasantly with premium American Desert Ironwood, that is hand finished before being oiled into a beautiful natural sheen. Other superb natural handle materials are available making the YU is a great knife at a very reasonable price. YU is a Japanese word that was carried in the hearts of the true Warrior. It was the way of Bushito meaning “Heroic Courage.” Heroic Courage to stand up for what is right, and too not cower even if it means your freedom or your life. Yu is the courage to set things right. Yu is Heroic Courage that is not blind, but strong. YU is Freedom.
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The
ZIPPER
TM is made from a
solid bar of one-eight inch thick 1095 high carbon tool steel,
differentially heat-treated to a superior 59-60 Rockwell on the “C”
scale, and triple drawn. A final DeepCryo Quench at sub-zero
temperatures is preformed before the knife is assembled. {UPDATE OF THIS KNIFE PENDING - PLEASE
COME AGAIN]
