TRC Knives South Pole Vanadis 4 Extra Limited Edition

TRC Knives South Pole Vanadis 4 Extra Limited Edition is a very versatile and all-purpose outdoor knife.

The construction base is particularly eye-catching, featuring Vanadis 4 Extra steel with excellent resistance to overloads and a double-edged fuller on the blade and saber grind (swedge at the tip of the blade). Previous versions of the South Pole were mainly constructed from excellent Elmax steel, which offered a great balance between strength and rust resistance. However, in the case of the current limited edition, a rust-resistant steel with outstanding properties for handling heavy loads has been employed, known for its excellent cutting edge durability. The steel is protected against corrosion with a highly durable DLC coating. This edition is further distinguished by a bright orange G10 handle, which facilitates locating the tool, for example, in forest undergrowth or grass after it has been dropped. The knife, along with a lanyard, is supplied in the manufacturer’s original box, complete with a black Kydex sheath, TRC sticker, and certificate.

TRC Knives – World Quality from Lithuania

Lithuanian brand founded by knifemaker Andrius Tricius. The manufactory located in Ukmerge is the workplace of a small but experienced TRC team. Individual works in many cases are carried out manually by qualified team members, the subsequent stages with the use of machines take place under the watchful eye of specialists. All this to maintain the highest standards of manual, precise craft production. By definition, production is limited, and the quality of workmanship is the highest priority of the brand and its founder. The TRC Knives offer includes knives for survival, bushcraft, general outdoor, everyday use (EDC) and tactical tasks made of the best materials available on the market. Knives made by TRC present great usability, and more or less limited editions are desirable in the world of collectors.

Standards of Workmanship – Quality Control

The process of making each knife is meticulous and very critical. Any member of the small TRC team during any of the production stages has doubts and notices even a minimal deviation from the established standard – the knife does not leave the workshop. This means that all cuts, roundings, gluing are made with maximum precision and TRC is more likely to agree to a delay in delivery than to “release” an unpolished copy.

South Pole Vanadis 4 Extra

Steel for Demanding Tasks

The South Pole Vanadis 4 Extra is a knife with a full tang construction, where the steel runs along the entire length and width of the handle, to which the covers are attached. The full-tang construction is the most durable type of construction found in fixed-blade knives. The material base of the knife is the great Vanadis 4 Extra steel. It is an extremely hard and durable steel resistant to overloading, abrasion and chipping. The hardening of the steel is also of great importance in this case and has been carefully matched to the size of the knife (more about the hardening standards at TRC Knives can be found in the conversation with Andrius Tricius, which you can read here).

The blade has been covered with a black DLC coating (Diamond Like Carbon – a carbon coating with a hardness of almost diamond ~ 90 HRC*), strengthening the blade, chemically non-reactive to acids and alkalis, protecting against corrosion and enhancing the masking effect (at night it does not reflect light, i.e. it has anti-reflective).

*Diamond has the highest hardness on a scale that reaches a value of 100 HRC.

Universal Blade for Every Challenge

The blade with a spine thickness of 4.5 mm (0.18″) made in the drop point style will meet most tasks that can be encountered while in the field. Work in wood or more subtle tasks, such as preparing a meal, are natural tasks for this knife. The blade is made with a flat grind, supports the process of smooth cutting and performing various tasks.  There is jimping on the spine, which is a support for the thumb during cuts that require the use of greater force. The knife has a guard, which together with the undercut for the finger in the handle prevents the hand from slipping onto the cutting edge during work. The rounded ridge protruding from the handle improves comfort and grip. The spine is slightly extended beyond the outline on each side of the handle, and there is a little more of it on the line of the head (rear part of the knife), which can be used as an improvised crusher.

Ergonomic and Robust Handle

The handle linings with an ergonomic, oval shape are made of G10 composite. G10 is a material resistant to moisture, temperature changes, most solvents and acids, with high resistance to mechanical damage. The facings themselves were glued and mounted with tubes consistent with the overall design of the knife. The entire precisely designed structure makes the handle fit the hand very well and the grip is strong and secure. At the end of the handle, there is a hole for attaching an additional cord, which can be used as protection against dropping the knife during operation. Originally, a decoration in the form of a stainles steel bead was pinned to the hole.

Comfortable Kydex Sheath

Knife comes with holster made of hand-formed black Kydex material, which we attach to the belt with a grommet made of durable, heavyweight nylon. The handle made of this material gives flexibility, which, for example, when squatting or bending, is arranged in a way that limits the occasional burdensome squeezes or body cuts. To facilitate the removal of the knife, which fits very well in the tight-fitting material, a thumb support has been planned, thanks to which the knife can be removed in a controlled and safe manner. Kydex itself is a very durable material that is characterized by high resistance to impacts, scratches, low moisture absorption, resistance to various weather conditions and many chemicals. We use holsters made of it comfortably and for a long time. The holster is equipped with pass-through pins to which you can attach, for example, a flint holder (not included in the set) or use them to attach it to a backpack, harness element or Molle type solution

Specification

• Blade: fixed (full tang), drop point profile with flat grind, double-sided fuller, plain cutting edge
• Steel: Vanadis 4 Extra (60-61 HRC), DLC coating (~90 HRC)
• Handle: orange G10
• Sheath: black Kydex holster
• Contents: knife with knife bead, holster, certificate (Kinfe ID Book), TRC sticker, packaging box
• Dimesnions: total length: 235 mm | 9.25″, blade length: 235 mm | 9.25″, handle lenght: 235 mm | 9.25″, blade thickness: 4,5 mm | 0.18″
• Weight:  g | 7.95 oz without holster, g | 10.47 oz with holster
• EAN: –
• Producer: TRC Knives, Lithuania

Warranty

Knives are covered by a lifetime warranty. This warranty provides protection against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty applies to both the knife and its sheath. If the product covered by this warranty fails due to a manufacturing defect the producer will repair it without charge, or replace it, at our discretion. Only original, unaltered and unmodified items are covered by this warranty.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, improper care, negligence, normal wear and tear, or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over an extended period of time and use. Damage not covered under the warranty may be repaired for a reasonable rate. In such cases, a fee will be also charged for shipping.

Maintenance

1. Remember! Every of our knives are extremely sharp, so be careful when handling them!
2. Do not use your knife for something besides it’s intended purpose! Do not use the knife as a can opener, screwdriver, chisel, hammer, crowbar etc.
3. After using your knife with sea water, blood, fruits or other corrosive mediums, always rinse the knife with fresh water and dry it off.
4. Do not wash the knife with harder chemicals or in the dishwasher. This may damage or destroy the knife.
5. Before storing your knife, apply thin film of high-quality gun oil or special knife oil or wax to knives. We recommend that you always keep your knife and sheath clean and dry when not in use.
6. Always keep your knife sharp, so it can always take care of you.