MK Knives & Tools Nomad “Wood Spirit III” | Vanax

MK Knives & Tools Nomad “Wood Spirit III” is a knife for outdoor use and for collection.

Nomad is designed as a first choice tool for field trips, campsites and longer campsites. Its modern but subdued design will probably appeal to a wide variety of users. Traditionalists will appreciate its optimal dimensions and shape using natural hand cavities, supporters of novelties – materials used in the manufacturing process and the way of finishing. Nomad is a knife that would surely answer the question of what blade to take when we could choose only one tool (to be able to work with it as universally as possible). Nomad from among all MK Knives & Tools models that can be used in the most versatile way.

About standards and the knifemaking process at MK Knives & Tools 

MK Knives & Tools does not recognize compromises. Each of its products is planned down to the smallest detail, each project, especially the custom one have individual features. Each knife is detaily and clean finished (grinds, 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 fits the other, the patterns on the holster are 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 workshop. 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 (Vanax, Elmax, Vanadis 4 Extra, Vanadis 23 etc.), with different ways of finishing the blade (PVD coating, DLC coating, glassblasted finish, stonewash finish, satin etc.). The handle is made of various type of materials: G10 composite, micarta, carbon fiber and so on with a variety of colors and different original patterns,precisely choosed by knifemaker. For each model, the knifemaker forms a suitable holster from Kydex (or another material), 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 or DLC 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 Nomad “Wood Spirit III”

Premium steel as the shank of the knife construction

Presented Nomad knife is made of one section of vanax steel and has a full-tang construction with covers attached to the handle, and the steel runs along its entire length and width. Full-tang is the most durable type of construction found in fixed blade knives.

Vanax steel is a new, unique quality among premium steel. This steel has an extremely high resistance to corrosion. It performs well in the most corrosive environments where other materials fail. In terms of anti-corrosion, it significantly exceeds the already excellent steel in this category, elmax. In addition, vanax is a highly wear-resistant and very durable steel.

Accurate knife dimensions

The dimensions of the Nomad knife make it very versatile. The optimal length (230 mm) predisposes it to various outdoor use, while the thickness of the blade (4 mm), shape and construction materials used make it useful in camp activities. The size of the knife will allow you to skillfully perform kitchen and camp work (preparing meals, planing, etc.) and other work in the field.

Grind and blade shape for effective cutting 

An interesting fact in the execution of the knife is the innovative hollow grind. It is visible at first glance in the form of characteristic grooves on both the correct blade and the false blade. The concavity of the cut is very subtle and, in addition to the visual effect, it is designed to support the cutting process (it reduces the effect of the material sticking to the blade and facilitates splitting of the material). The grind in combination with the shape of the drop point blade indicates that it can be used very universally.

On the back of the blade there is a jimpig, which makes it easier to press the blade of the knife to the material being cut. This element enables precise cuts, makes it easier to guide the cutting edge along the material and helps with cuts that require pressure.

Unique knife handle

Shape and construction of the 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.

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.

Handle materials

The handle scales are made of a very durable G10 composite. The handle consists inserts made of stabilized wood, which give it a unique character. G10 composite is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, most solvents and acids, has high resistance to mechanical damage. In the presented knife, the material of the covers has a rough pattern that prevents the handle from slipping in the hand. The handle covers have been screwed with steel screws consistent with the design of the blade.

Refined holstex holster and various mounting methods

The knife has a holstex holster with a naturalistic look, high impact and scratch resistance, low moisture absorption, resistant to various weather conditions and many chemicals. In the presented model, the holster was made of a material with a color consistent with the entire concept of the knife and supplemented with color accessories selected by the knifemeker. The holster has been screwed with stainless steel screws in a finish corresponding to the finish of the blade.

We attach the holster to the belt thanks to a grommet (belt loops) made of natural leather, strong, but flexible enough that it does not bother and does not compress when squatting or bending down. In the set with a knife and a holster you will find an additional kydex buckle. The buckle is put in place of the self-disassembled leather belt loop and allows it to be attached to MOLLE solutions (backpack, shoulder strap, harness with this solution). The optional protection of the knife can be obtained thanks to the through holes in the holster, by threading a string or a rope into them and additionally tying them. Of course, you can use the paracord that the holster is wrapped in (its color corresponds to the paracord section attached to the knife).

NAME: Nomad “Wood Spirit III”
STEEL: Vanax (59-61 HRC)
BLADE FINISH: Glassblasted

BLADE STYLE: Drop Point
GRIND: Hollow (with Grooves)
HANDLE: Coyote G10 + Stabilized Wood

TOTAL LENGTH: 230 mm | 9.06″
BLADE LENGTH: 107 mm | 4.21″
BLADE THICKNESS: 4,0 mm | 0.16″

FINGER GUARD: Not Available
WEIGHT:  160 g | 5.64 oz without sheath
SHEATH: Holstex