Williams Blade Design SZT001 Shobu Zukuri Tanto 5.75″ | Elmax | Black Canvas Micarta

Williams Blade Design SZT001 Shobu Zukuri Tanto 5.75″ | Elmax | Black Canvas Micarta – American Design, Japanese style, Lithuanian made (TRC Knives).

Williams Blade Design

James and Christopher. Father and son. The father, a renowned American martial arts trainer, who previously designed knives for CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool), and the son, proudly continuing and injecting a breath of fresh air into his father’s design work. The result is the unique designs of Williams Blade Design, ultimately produced by well-known and respected manufacturers in the knife industry.

“Designed for those whose lives depend on their tools” – these lofty words perfectly capture the essence of Williams Blade Design’s projects, emphasizing the focus on design. Intriguing shapes, high-quality materials, and complete functionality are undoubtedly the main principles guiding their work.

Meticulous Craftsmanship

Designed by Williams Blade Design and crafted in the Lithuanian workshop of TRC Knives, known for its high standards and meticulous production.

Premium Steel

The SZK 001 Shobu Zukuri Tanto 5.75″ is a full tang knife, made of one carefully selected piece of material running the entire length and width of the handle. Knife is made of the highest quality Elmax steel. Elmax is one of the few steels available on the market that are in the absolute top quality of materials used for the production of premium knives. Its best properties are obtained by properly performing the hardening process, in which 3 stages must be flawlessly performed: hardening, cryogenic cooling (freezing) and tempering (more about the manufacturing process of TRC Knives can be found in an interview with Andrius Tricius, which you can read HERE). A properly prepared Elmax blade is extremely resistant to overload, stays sharp for a very long time (wears very slowly) and has excellent anti-corrosion properties.

Functional Design

The 3.6 mm thick blade with a shobu zukuri profile has an intriguing yet highly practical shape. Resembling samurai blades, it excels in cutting tasks that require pressure. The pronounced belly, typical of trailing point profiles, guides the cutting edge effectively through materials, and the extremely sharp tip facilitates piercing tasks.

Sturdy Handle

The handle scales are made of Canvas Micarta laminate, known for its excellent properties, including resistance to moisture, temperature changes, most solvents, and acids, as well as high mechanical durability. Micarta has a non-slip, textured structure, and the handle features notches that enhance grip and allow for the attachment of additional lanyards or paracord to make it thicker and more grippable. At the end of the handle, there is a hole for attaching additional lanyards, which can serve as a safeguard against accidental drops while working or as an additional grip aid for removing the knife from the sheath.

Kydex Sheath

The knife comes with a Kydex sheath that is hand-formed and black in color. To facilitate knife removal, it features a thumb ramp that allows for controlled and secure knife retrieval. Kydex is known for its high resistance to impacts, scratches, low moisture absorption, and resilience to various weather conditions and chemical agents. Kydex sheaths are comfortable and durable for long-term use. The sheath is equipped with four pass-through pins for threading lanyards or paracord for added security against loss while carrying it, such as on a backpack or tactical harness. For quick and easy sheath mounting, it is equipped with additional loops and snap fasteners featuring Pull-the-DOT closure (fasteners that open in one direction and in a controlled manner). The pass-through pins are made from fibers embedded in hard rubbery material, which retains flexibility in extreme temperatures.

Specification

• Blade: fixed blade (full tang), trailing point with high flat grind, plain cutting edge
• Steel: Elmax (60-61 HRC), Apocalyptic finish
• Handle: Black Canvas Micarta
• Sheath: black Kydex
• Contents: knife, sheath, Knife ID, TRC Knives sticker, packaging box
• Dimensions: overall length: 259 mm | 10″, blade length: 145 mm | 5.75″,  blade thickness: 3,6 mm | 0.14″
• Weight: 165 g | 5.82 oz
• Batch quantity: 100 pcs
• Release date: May 2022
• Design: James & Christopher Williams
• Producer: TRC Knives, Lithuania

Warranty

TRC 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 we 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. We also offer a life-time free sharpening service. Whenever you feel your knife starts lacking that excellent sharpness, send the knife over to us. You will only be charged for shipping costs.

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.