MK Knives & Tools Nomad “DGFF Green & Black” | Vanadis 23

MK Knives & Tools Nomad “DGFF Green & Black” | Vanadis 23 is a knife designed for outdoor use and other applications depending on the materials used for its production (survival, tactical etc.).

About standards and the knifemaking process at MK Knives & Tools 

Knifemaker Marcin Kampka does not recognize compromises. Each of its products is planned down to the smallest detail, each project, especially the custom one, must have individual features. Each knife must have a perfect finish, grinding, chamfering, etc. All screws – even the smallest ones – are gently chamfered to remove angular finishes. Each knife is treated as a separate whole and the holster is treated the same way. One must fit the other, the patterns on the holster must be consistent with those on the handle, etc. Mirroring every MK Knives & Tools knife we see not only the product, but we “feel” the hours spent in the studio. When we buy Marcin Kampka’s product, we buy many hours of his work. We can be sure that the knife has been polished to the smallest detail.

Please read more about the creative process and the MK Knives & Tools brand in an interview with Marcin Kampka HERE.

About Nomad knife in general

Nomad knife is produced from different types of steel (Elmax, Vanadis 4 Extra, Vanadis 23 etc.), with different ways of finishing the blade (PVD coating, stonewash, satin). The handle is usually made of a G10 composite or micarta, with a variety of colors and different original patterns, including those created by filling the designed cavities with resin in a color also chosen by the knifemaker. For each model, the knifemaker forms a suitable holster from Kydex, whose colours (holster and accessories) match those of the blade and handle to make a consistent set. The materials used decide on a more precise use of the knife. For example, models in black PVD with a Kydex holster in dark colours will surely be of interest to those who prefer military-tactical solutions, considering also that all holsters can be mounted to the MOLLE system, harness components or tactical backpack.

About the presented execution of the knife Nomad

Premium steel as the shank of the knife construction

The presented Nomad knife is made of one piece of Vanadis 23 steel. It is a full-tang knife. The steel used in the knife is an extremely durable material, very hard, resistant to overload, abrasion and chipping. The knife has been coated with a black PVD coating which additionally strengthens the steel and improves anti-corrosion properties. The coating has anti-reflective properties and thanks to it, the knife can be used in tactical operations.

Optimal knife dimensions

The dimensions of the Nomad knife determine its very universal use. Optimal length (230 mm), predisposes it to various outdoor use, while the thickness of the head (5 mm), shape and construction materials used make it useful for more serious bushcraft, survival and even tactical activities. The size of the knife will allow for skillfully performing kitchen and camp work (preparing meals, planing, etc. ), but it will also make it possible to perform heavier casual camp tasks (stabbing, punching, etc.).

Grinds and blade shape for effective cutting 

The blade in DGFF (Double Grind Fuller False [blade]) style looks very impressive. In its execution, we notice an innovative double grind, partially flat and partially hollow, visible in the form of characteristic grooves on the blade. The part of the blade on which the hollow grind is located (concavity is very subtle) is naturally most often used during planing, undercutting, peeling, etc. This type of grind provides better cutting properties at this point, reducing e.g. the effect of the cutting material sticking to the blade. Afterwards, on the amphibians, we notice a fuller and a false blade that completes the design.

If we take a closer look at the roundness, we can see that it is obviously not tanto, which is known for its strength, but the shape resembles it slightly. Of course, this is a trick for both strength and universality of the blade.

There is a jimpig on the back of the blade, which makes it easier to press the blade against the material to be cut. This element makes precise cuts, makes it easier to guide the cutting edge over the material and helps with pressure-intensive cuts.

The sturdy, thoughtful knife handle

The slim, shapely oval of the handle fits very well and lies securely in the hand, its gentle contouring helps to prevent the hand from slipping to the cutting edge. The rounded back protruding from each side of the handle makes holding the knife comfortable and secure.

The ergonomic, revised shape of the handle is made of a very durable olive G10. G10 is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, most solvents and acids and has high resistance to mechanical damage. In the presented knife the cover material has a rough pattern to prevent the handle from slipping in the hand. The handle covers have been screwed with PVD coated steel screws.

At the end of the knife handle there is a hole for attaching an additional wire, which can serve as a protection against dropping the knife during operation, or an additional gripper to facilitate the removal of the knife from the holster. Originally, it includes a paracord section with a shade matching the design.

The sophisticated kydex holster and various mounting options 

The knife has a holster made of hand-formed kydex material, which is characterized by high impact and scratch resistance, characterized by low moisture absorption, resistant to various weather conditions and many chemicals. In the presented model, the holster is made of black material and color additions, the same color which we can find at the handle material.

We attach the holster to the belt with the use of kydex buckles, which can also be attached to MOLLE solutions. The initial mounting of the buckles allows the entire belt to be mounted vertically. However, it is possible to change the position of the buckles in a way that allows for more discreet horizontal installation (along the belt, on the back or at the front on the hip belt). Then just unscrew the buckles and change their arrangement. Strongly stable fastening (if we prefer it) can be obtained additionally by tying the holster through the through holes in it. Of course, you can use the paracord supply that the holster is wrapped in (its color corresponds to the section at the knife).

For consistency of appearance on the holster and the additional kydex clip we will find a “reflection” of the design on the handle.

NAME: Nomad “DGFF Green & Black”
STEEL: Vanadis 23 (64 HRC)
BLADE FINISH: Black | PVD

BLADE STYLE: Drop point
GRIND: Hollow (Grooves on the Blade) & Fuller
HANDLE: Green & Black G10

TOTAL LENGTH: 230 mm | 9.06″
BLADE LENGTH: 107 mm | 4.21″
BLADE THICKNESS: 5,0 mm | 0.2″

FINGER GUARD: Not available
WEIGHT: 209 g | 7.37 oz without holster
SHEATH: Kydex Holster