"Arctica" Fine Handmade Tactical, Combat, Counterterrorism, Rescue, Survival Knife by Jay Fisher

Arctica

"Arctica" Tactical Combat, Counterterrorism CSAR, Survival Knife

Size: Length overall: 12.75" (32.4 cm), Blade Length: 7.0" (17.8 cm), Thickness: .254" (6.5 mm)
Weight: Knife: 1 lb., 4.0 oz. (567 grams), Sheath (with extender, accessory package, HULA and Maglite): 1 lb., 9 oz. (709 grams)
Blade: ATS-34 High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C59, Bead Blasted
Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, Bead Blasted
Handle: Blue and Black G10 Fiberglass/Epoxy Laminate Composite
Sheath: Locking, Black Kydex, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polypropylene and Nylon belt loop extender with Firesteel/Magnesium fire starter, Fine DMT diamond pad sharpener
HULA (Holder, Universal, Lamp, Articulating): Welded and machined 304 high nickel, high chromium austenitic stainless steel, 5052H32 corrosion-resistant, high strength aluminum alloy, 6AL4V titanium alloy, Maglite XL100 series flashlight
Knife: Here is one of the absolute toughest, most durable knives I make for combat, rescue, emergency response, and survival. If you are looking for the ultimate survival, combat, counterterrorism and emergency response, and crisis-curing knife and accessory package, here it is. The Arctica is named for rigid and unyielding ice breaker-styled geometries of ships that clear the arctic shipping lanes and the name of an ancient continent formed early in the earth's age in what is now the Canadian and Siberian shields. This combination of high alloy steel thickness, carefully executed curves, and a strong and substantial handle is what I call "the PJLT on steroids." Since my PJLT is my most popular design of knife, and since it has a proven combat and tactical search and rescue heritage with our nation's top military rescue service (United States Air Force Pararescuemen), it was the inspiration for this next generation of incredibly durable knives. The Arctica is larger, thicker, heavier, and stronger than the PJLT. This Arctica starts with a high alloy ATS-34 high molybdenum, high chromium martensitic stainless steel blade, deeply and accurately hollow ground, with a thick and meaty spine. ATS-34 is a very tough steel, which means it has extremely high resistance to fracture, even at high hardness. I tempered this knife to 59HRC, so the blade will be as wear-resistant as possible, while being extremely tough and reliable. Another added characteristic of ATS-34 is that it has a very high tempering temperature, so it is a true "hot work" stainless steel that will not change temper unless the blade temperature exceeds 1000° Fahrenheit! This means that this knife is also extremely heat resistant, keeping its temper in the most unthinkable of exposures. The tanto point is a complex one, with an aggressive curve in the point belly, and plenty of thickness at the secondary point for bearing down. The spine has a two-thirds length top swage, which decreases the point cross sectional thickness without sacrificing strength. The blade has over two inches of my Hammerhead deep cutting serrations, combining hollow ground and chisel ground geometries for a aggressive cutting action with little hanging or snagging. I fileworked the entire knife blade and tang with an assertive pattern and the tang is fully tapered for balance, yet thick and strong at the butt. The knife is bolstered with substantial, multi-pinned 304 high nickel, high chromium austenitic stainless steel bolsters that are zero-care and bead blasted for a low key, non-glare, all-business finish. The bolsters are heavy, thick, and stout, and the rear bolster has a 5/16" through-tang chamfered lanyard hole for extra security if needed. The dovetailed bolsters lock and bed a pair of black and blue G10 fiberglass reinforced epoxy laminate composite handle scales, which are secured with 11 beefy 1/8" diameter 304 stainless steel pins and bead-blasted for a good tooth and texture that is comfortable to grip and simple to maintain. The knife feels incredibly robust in the hand, in either forward or reverse grip style, and the front and rear quillons lock the hand into the handle with unsurpassed security. The balance point is exactly at the forefinger location, and the thumb is comfortably drawn to the thumb rise for great control.
Sheath: The sheath is a professional assembly, frankly, the best tactical sheath and accessory package made in the world. It's also an example of my commitment to making the finest combat tactical, and rescue knives and sheaths on the planet. It starts with double thickness (.125") kydex (methyl acrylate and polyvinylchloride), hot-formed over an aluminum welt frame of 5052 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy in H32 hardness. The body and welts are secured with bead blasted and slotted 304 stainless steel Chicago screws for the ultimate in durability with no care and no glare. The sheath is one of my long-proven positively locking waterproof models, with all stainless steel locking mechanism and components for the ultimate in reliability and trustworthiness. Even the machine screws are stainless steel. The sheath can be worn in any position, even upside down when worn with the die-formed high alloy aluminum belt loops (included). The belt loops can be located in several positions along the welt frame and are reversible for a variety of wear options.
Accessories: This knife and sheath is made complete with my ultimate accessory package, and I included my Ultimate survival, CSAR sheath belt loop extension accessories with outstanding and critical features and devices. The polypropylene accessory is waterproof, durable, and extremely stout, and lowers the locking knife sheath to be worn in a more traditional belt position with the knife handle at the hip. The extension is mounted with counter bored and dressed 304 stainless steel straps and stainless steel socket head cap screws attached to the existing stainless Chicago screws, and the assembly is stiffened by multiple zigzag nylon stitching to prevent the extension from folding, bending, or collapsing when the knife is extracted from the sheath. The belt loop is 2.5 inches wide for the widest of belts, and has a top placement shock cord with snap retention to prevent the knife handle from flopping around during active movements. Even the dot snap assembly is all stainless steel. The shock cord is not for retention of the knife; this is done with the stainless steel sheath lock. At the lower back of the extension I've included a custom fit pocket for a DMT (Diamond Machining Technology) Mini-Sharp diamond-nickel abrasive hone, to bring up the cutting edge in the field with ease, even on this high alloy wear resistant blade. These are great tools that can re-sharpen or just touch up even the hardest tool steel edges, as they are surface-bonded with diamond abrasives. The pocket for this tool is situated at the sheath back and against the body, so the sharpener can not be removed unless the sheath is off the body and the industrial strength Velcro closure is open. I also added a specially modified critical survival component to this accessory: the Firesteel/Magnesium block with custom fittings. These blocks are waterproof and durable, with soft magnesium that can be easily shaved off with the knife blade, and a Firesteel striker to ignite the magnesium shavings when placed into tinder to start a fire. A unique addition to this block is the stainless steel rod guard. This minimizes the possibility of the Firesteel contacting any other metals and causing accidental sparks and ignition when worn or removed, guards the knife tip (or swage) when the blade is dragged over the Firesteel, helps concentrate and guide the spark direction, and offers a variety of mounting options, besides on the sheath extender's industrial strength Velcro straps. Being all 304 stainless steel, it will not corrode or rust.
HULA and Maglite XL Flashlight: Included in this professional assembly is my latest offering for field use, the HULA. The Holder, Universal, Lamp, Articulating (HULA), is my answer to a call for not just a backup lamp that I've provided on previous Ultimate Extender packages, but an actual main or key professional grade lamp and mount assembly. The lamp I included is the Maglite XL100, perhaps the most sophisticated programmable flashlight made today, with five modes of operation and infinite power settings. The lamp is a powerhouse of options and longevity, with ultra bright LED technology that is dependable and tough. The only thing the lamp needs is a reliable, adjustable, dependable and corrosion-proof way to mount, use, and carry it on the sheath, so I designed the HULA. This special holder will hold any flashlight that is 1" by 4.75" and also accommodates the Maglite XL200 flashlight that has slightly different options. The holder lamp frame is made of welded 5052H32 high strength corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, for the highest durability and corrosion resistance combined with low weight This aluminum is suitable for marine (salt water) environments. The lamp is held in custom made socket with a retaining cap that is maintained in a T-slot lock by the elastic tension of replaceable shock cord straps. The T-slot lock can be negotiated even in the dark due to it's simple and clever design and construction. The lamp can be turned operated within the holder, and can even have selected modes while still in the control of the holder. One of the best features of this assembly is my exclusive ball joint and pinch mechanism. This is a very old mechanism, dating back to 200BC, where a ball sits in a dedicated socket, and is held there by the tension of a screw. The ball joint frame, ball, tangs, screw and mounting hardware are all welded 304 high nickel, high chromium stainless steel which is bead blasted for glare reduction. This is a very tough assembly that will probably outlast the knife owner. What it offers is an articulating adjustment, aiming and positioning of the lamp, while still mounted on the knife sheath, wherever the knife sheath is mounted on the body. In the traditional belt line position, the lamp can be aimed at the ground in front of the wearer (great for hiking or movement), or aimed at any object or person in front of the wearer, while freeing the hands for a weapon, tool, or carry. Having the HULA also eliminates the need for a headlamp, a device that has its own limitations. This new development has been highly popular with search and rescue and disaster response teams. Since the lamp can be dimmed infinitely, the setting can allow soft light for subdued movement, and various settings on the lamp can aid in emergencies to signal and draw attention, depending on the program selected. The lamp can even be program-locked to prevent unwanted turning on, even if the switch is operated. If the wearer needs the light in his hand, he simply pulls up on the T-slot locking cap, pulls the lamp from the socket, and replaces the cap so it won't bounce around. I've done my research, and created simply the finest flashlight accessory made in the world today, custom made to mount to my locking sheaths, the best locking sheaths made in the world today. One more important point: the bolt pattern and arrangement allows the HULA to be bolted to eight positions and 16 orientations along the welts of the sheath. Talk about flexibility! There are much more to these accessories; learn about these critical accessories on a special page on my site at this link. Mounting, care, and use instructions are posted there.
A true professional, top of the line, brutally tough beast of a knife, a combat, rescue, and tactical knife, sheath, and accessory package that is simply the best made. This knife defines robust. Read the testimonials of other Arctica pattern knives I've made below the thumbnail photos just below.

Thanks, S. H.!

Please click on thumbnail knife photos

"Arctica" reverse side view. Sheath back shows ultimate belt loop extender with full accessory package including sharpener and firestarter

"Arctica" spine edgework, filework detail. Filework is punchy and strong, aiding in grip potential on stout knife handle

"Arctica" inside handle tang detail. Note full fillework, fully tapered tang, dovetailed and bedded handle materials and bolsters.

"Arctica" handle detail. G10 is fiberglass reinforced industrial polyepoxide thermoset composite in black and blue layers, with plenty of tooth for grip. Handles are secured with 11 through-tang .125" diameter stainless steel pins. Bolsters are multi-pinned and extremely strong.

"Arctica" serration detail. Hammerhead serrations are concave with micro edges and multiple faces, creating serrations that are very strong and non-snagging. The maker's mark is deeply diamond engraved in the hollow ground high moly stainless tool steel blade.

"Arctica" sheathed view. Sheath is positively locking and waterproof, with all stainless steel fittings and components, the best sheath made on the planet.

"Arctica" with XL series flashlight in HULA assembly. This allows a mounted lamp that aims in any direction at the complete control of the wearer.

"Arctica" with HULA assembly folded in sheath front. The articulation of the HULA allows multiple wear and orientation options on the sheath body, in front, behind, and at the side of the sheath.

"Arctica" sheathed view, HULA aiming potential. Flashlight can be aimed at any direction, front or behind wearer, and is removable for manual use.

"Arctica" accessory package. The ultimate belt loop extender allows carry and security of the diamond pad sharpener and the magnesium/firesteel fire starter with safety cage

"Arctica" sheathed view. Tradition sheath wear is also an option, here, the rig is fitted with the die-formed aluminum belt loops mounted on the sheath back. Sheath is positively locking and waterproof

"Arctica" sheath back view. The die-formed alumium belt loops are corrosion resistant, high strength, high hardness aluminum alloy, and can be located in eight different positions on this particular model for a wide variety of wear options

"Arctica" point detail. Tanto point is stout, aggressive, and extremely strong, hollow ground with top swage.

"Arctica" handle butt detail. This knife has an extremely strong and heavily bolstered butt with a quadruple-pinned rear bolster for tremedous durability

"Arctica" shown with archivable engraved acrylic materials and contact plate, heavy embroidered and double stitched canvas transport bag

Testimonials about other "Arctica" Knives:

Jay you need a section on your website that displays only "beasts" of this style. There is no way that you can accurately describe weapons of this style and be believed. Over the decades I have seen a lot of survival knives, military issue knives and knives made by self-proclaimed experts that are one time used and thrown away for all practical purposes. Your creations will last my lifetime and my heirs lifetime as well.
Thank you again!

Best always:
P.

Jay,
I was tracking the package eagerly and was happy to find it arrived a day early. The knife is simply beautiful. Without being prone to hyperbole- it is the best knife I have ever held by far. I am so, so impressed. The balance is absolutely perfect. This is a beast of a knife, but it fits my hand like it was made for it- feels like an extension of my arm. The geometry of the blade is so perfectly symmetrical and the the cutting edge is surgical.
I remember reading your website where it says that you "make the real thing." I believed that statement when I read it, but now I feel what you mean. This is no factory production knife. I know our men in combat who carry your knives have confidence that the knife will stand up to any challenge. The kydex sheath is awesome and it locks the blade without even a slight jiggle. The accessories are such a nice touch and I greatly appreciated that you put that much thought into the components that would compliment the knife/sheath.
Jay, this is the finest object I have ever purchased. Thank you for being the professional that you are.

Sincerely,
--C. B.

Hi Jay,
Thanks for checking in; I received the Arctica today.
Wow! There is no way I can describe how impressed I am with this knife. The pictures on your website are great, but they just don't compare to experiencing the reality. It's going to take me days to get used to every detail, especially with so many great accessories included, so here are my very first impressions:
The balance is perfect; that big rear bolster really balances out the hefty blade so that it pivots perfectly on the first two fingers of my grip; combined with the thumb rise, this thing handles like a much lighter knife.
At first I thought the space between the bolsters was a little large for my hand, then I realized, a knife like this was designed for guys who wear gloves! Sure enough, with a pair of shooting gloves the grip is perfect.
The flat finish is ideal for a no-nonsense work knife, and the squared-off file work adds detail without being "showy" (which I don't think would suit it). I love how all the metal parts on the sheath and it's accessories match the finish on the knife.
There are so many other impressive details, but you're a busy guy, and anyway the point is I couldn't be happier, thank you so much for making this knife and giving me the opportunity to own it.
You have a customer for life; I'm already looking at some of your inventory knives!
Thanks again,

Hello Jay,

I sat down to open the package containing Arctica with a bit of trepidation, expecting a complex system that would require some work to appreciate. After first admiring your impeccable and beautiful work on the obviously made-for-business-use leather sheath, I laid out the rest of the box's contents. As I did, the first thought I had regarding the Arctica knife and tactical sheath was, "This is the real deal."

What a great looking handle, with the brass fibers providing a visual texture that made me want to pick up the knife. Taking the knife, in the sheath, in hand and appreciating the solidity of it as a unit is a striking tactile indicator of how tight the design and implementation is. This is a precision piece of engineering. I'm relieved that the handle isn't too large for my hand. Now to the really fun part, hitting that locking-mechanism release with the tip of my thumb and drawing the blade from the sheath. And then doing it again and again, just to enjoy it; it locks securely with no play of knife in sheath, but releases so easily with the natural draw grip. I wondered if you had an "Aha!" moment when you thought of the design.

This is a robust knife, with the feel that only the best tools have. To me that feeling is, "I trust this tool to get the job done. I can rely on it to perform whenever I need it, under hard use and bad conditions."

Setting the knife aside for a bit I go back to the sheath and its functionality. I find the HULA ingenious and it makes so much sense to have this attached to the sheath rather than a separate attachment point elsewhere. Moreover, the ball joint lets me put light wherever I want it, with the paddle-tensioner easily adjusted with a gloved hand. At this point I am certain this is going on the sternum harness.

Jay the integration of the fire starter and diamond sharpener are well done and together with the spare parts and accessories, to say nothing of the sternum harness, complete this "ultimate package." All of your detailed instructions are a valuable resource, but my initial trepidation about the system was unwarranted. What you've built is precise, robust and intuitive. You did the thinking so I can do the 'doing.' I think my words of appreciation for Aquila were more concise, but I've had such a good time this afternoon getting to know this Arctica that I wanted to share my delight.

Again, much respect for your knowledge, skill, precision and attitude. To be the pinnacle of human endeavor in a chosen field is indeed righteous.

Thank You,

--M.

Thank you, it is an amazing work of art and an incredible knife. Outstanding! Thanks again.

--K.

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