Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

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"Vindicator" push dagger, obverse side view in CPM154CM powder metal technology tool steel blade, 304 stainless steel bolsters, Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli gemstone handle, hand-carved leather sheath inlaid with Elephant skin
"Vindicator" with Lapis Lazuli Gemstone handle

Custom "Guardian" Counterterrorism/Tactical Push/Punch Dagger

Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, hybrid tension tab-lock sheath in kydex, anodized aluminum and titanium, stainless steel
Custom "Guardian" Tactical Counterterrorism Push/Punch dagger and kit with mounting accessories, sheaths and storage 
"Guardian" Counterterrorism Tactical Push/Punch Dagger (Shadow Line)

The "Guardian" is a fantastic push/punch dagger, and this was a superior custom project for a great client. The Guardian design is tremendously stout and durable, a perfect piece for protection, counter-attack, and defensive use. The design was proven in counterterrorism use and remains a serious, professional adjunct in the tactical field.

Thanks, D. B.!


Included:

The Knife

  • Size: Length overall: 7.0" (17.8 cm), Blade Length (to quillons): 4.5" (11.4 cm), Thickness: .248" (6.3 mm)
  • Weight: Knife: 12.5 oz. (354 grams)
  • Blade: CPM154CM Powder Metal High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered, T3 Specialty Cryogenically treated to Rockwell C60.5, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
  • Bolsters/Fittings: 304 High Nickel, High Chromium Austenitic Stainless Steel, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
  • Handle: Black G10 Fiberglass/Epoxy Composite
  • Type/Purpose/Origin: Answering a need for an extremely durable, ultimately functional, and devastating defensive tool for close quarters combat, the Guardian was designed with the direct input of counterterrorism YAMAM Israeli Defense Force/National Police Force professionals, and made for their professional use, and offered for personal tactical defense. This is a knife that is extremely versatile, functioning as an extension of the human fist, with tremendous grip security during the most critical of moments, offering an intensely sharp and lethal blade with an additional heavily fortified hammer-fisted persuader point. It is, simply the most direct, effective and speedy knife form built for lifesaving defense. I'm proud and honored to have made these for one of the world's most effective and well-trained professional counterterrorism forces, using their ideas, guidance, and input combined with my professional knifemaking experience. The Guardian was created because, while more lengthy and elaborate double-edged counterterrorism knives like the Ari B'Lilah may be great for most CT use, the need was presented for a lighter, more versatile knife that was made for just one thing: immediate defense from a physical close quarters attack. There are times where a larger knife may be too unwieldy, may create too visual of a presence, or may be of too much weight to wear, or there is not significant gear to making wearing a larger knife practical. Still, there is a need for a critical emergency survival defense, particularly when under physical attack when a firearm can not be drawn, much less collateral cleared. This knife was designed for the wearer to be able to immediately put it in his hand, in closed-fist form, without elaborate grip technique, and to defend his life with simple punching and hammering motion natural to the human movement. No matter where the enemy is attacking, the blade will yield an extremely aggressive point and razor sharp cutting edge with enough power behind it to drive through heavy clothing, around gear and equipment with tremendous force.
  • Blade Steel Alloy: This Guardian blade is a special hypereutectoid, high alloy martensitic stainless tool steel, CPM154CM. This is a powder metal technology tool steel, a high technology steel known for extremely even distribution of alloy elements and a uniform microstructure. It's a high molybdenum stainless steel, and the molybdenum aids in forming nucleation sites for complex carbide development. The moly also increases the toughness dramatically, resulting in a blade that's extremely durable. This allows me to temper the steel at a higher overall hardness, for great wear resistance as well. The high chromium and high carbon results in profuse chromium carbides, increasing corrosion resistance as well as wear resistance.
  • Heat Treatment: This Guardian has my T3 heat treatment, yielding an astounding blade in incredible condition through advanced processing protocols. How advanced is this treatment? It's a multi-stage cryogenic treatment, involving temperatures ranging in over 2000°F (1090°C) to -320°F (-196°C). The process is an evolution of my advanced heat treating processes, and consists of 33 dedicated and specific steps and takes 172 hours. This means that just to heat treat this blade takes over a week. The reason for this is scientific and critical, but yields the most stable, most wear-resistant, most durable and long-lived structure of this steel, profuse with fine multi-element carbides and a uniform and unbelievably robust structure. This is a testament to my determination to make the very best knives, steels, treatments and kits in the modern world. I know of no one else who has advanced the treatment to this level; it's unheard of in the metals and knifemaking field.
  • Blade Design and Geometry: The Guardian's blade needed to be long enough to punch through what the enemy is wearing, and remain sharp and tough through many years of use. It needed to be stainless for minimal care, and it needed to be reliable, extremely sharp, and heavily supported. I hollow ground the blade with a 3" contact wheel for a very thin and super-keen cutting edge while retaining the strength of a thick, heavy central spine to support the blade's double edges. The blade doesn't have any serrations or choils, so that thrusting movements will not be hindered by any geometry of cutting edges or features hanging up or snagging. The edges are stopped in penetration by large, significant quillons that protect the user's hands and fingers, while creating an essential shape to engage with the sheath retention of both the kydex and the leather sheaths. The central spine of the ricasso rides between the two largest, strongest fingers of the hand, the index and the middle finger, and is thick enough for absolute support and all contact areas are rounded, smoothed, contoured, and blasted for a comfortable feel. The knife is full tang, that is, has a solid core of tool steel throughout, and has deep and accurate bold hand-filework, distinctive and aiding in grip.
  • This is an extreme use, highly wear-resistant, and extremely keen high alloy powder metal stainless steel blade with advanced heat treatment.
  • Blade Finish: The blade and bolsters (and all of the accessories) are in my "Shadow" line of counterterrorism and tactical knife finishes. Answering the request for completely subdued and non-reflective surfaces, I developed the Shadow Line with my Ghost Slate finish. This means darkening in a permanent fashion not only the stainless steel of the knife, blade, handle, and fittings, but all of the gear in the entire kit: the fasteners, the sheath parts, aluminum mounts, accessories and entire package. Read more about my Shadow Line and Ghost Slate finish on my Counterterrorism Knives page at this bookmark.
  • Bolsters: I bolstered the Guardian with my signature zero-care, high nickel, high chromium 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, contoured and rounded for comfort of the hands, and shaped and radiused in the front face for easy cleaning. They are attached with multiple through-tang pins of 304 stainless steel, and the mounting is permanent, as well as extremely corrosion-resistant. This is the same steel used for stainless steel nuts, bolts, and fasteners, and the bolsters are heavy, thick, and solid, giving great balance to the knife. The bolsters are dovetailed to create a solid, seamless union with the handle material. The bolsters are treated in my "Ghost Slate" shadow line for reduced glare and match the rest of the knife and gear.
  • Handle: The handle scales are black G10, a fiberglass reinforced epoxy composite that is one of the most durable and dependable manmade handle materials on earth. The handle scales are dovetailed and locked and bedded under the bolsters, secured with four heavy 304 stainless steel pins. The handle shape is comfortable and secure, and fills the palm of the hand for support. The tang is fully fileworked with a bold pattern for increased purchase and handmade signature. The tang is milled for weight reduction and balance, with plenty of thickness to support the frame in the hand.
  • Balance and Feel: The feel of the knife is very solid and strong, bracing the handle in the hand reinforces the "square-fisted" punch position taught in close quarters combat for locking the wrist solidly. The extension of the blade is significant yet not too unwieldy, the persuader/talon protruding out the heel of the hand gives another option for defensive use. This is a serious, critical defensive weapon that can save a life in the worst possible scenario, dependable and proven.

Included:

The Sheaths

This knife has two sheaths, one in heavy leather double snap retention, one in tactical combat, tab-locking.


1. The "Post Lock" Leather Sheath
  • Materials: Heavy 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, stainless steel reinforcement screws, stainless steel internal dot-snaps, hand-stamped, black lacquered, nylon stitching
  • Storage: double-layered embroidered drawstring bag in cotton canvas, polyester
  • Description: I've created an advanced leather sheath for this model, based on client feedback and necessity of safety and strength for daily carry. My clients may typically wear a leather sheath for daily carry, so I wanted to create a leather sheath that was as close to indestructible as leather can be. I started with the thickness; this is thick shoulder, about 0.2" (5 mm) thick, as heavy as leather armor, and the heaviest leather straps for rigging, and twice as thick as the leather on a saddle. I hand-stamped/tooled the sheath in a bordered basketweave design, and dyed it black. The first thing you'll notice about the sheath is the very high front, covering the knife blade and handle almost completely, protecting the wearer from the persuader point. It also shields the knife handle from view for privacy. On the sheath front are two "D" shaped tab stitched points; these are the locations of the two D-shaped tab retention points (called "Post Locks") that engage specific locations on the knife handle. These post lock tabs have stainless steel (corrosion-proof and very strong) dot snaps that snap to the inside sheath back. When the knife is in the sheath, these dot-snaps are engaged, making two audible and tactile "snaps" that assure the wearer that the knife is secured. When snapped, it's impossible for the knife to be removed, to fall, to vibrate out, or to even be forced from the sheath. This makes this post lock design a positively-locking leather sheath that can't be forced, even in the most violent and active situations. When the wearer wants to remove the knife, he pushes his fingertips into the handle, unsnapping and folding the front face of the sheath outward, unsnapping the post lock tabs, moving them out of engagement points on the knife handle. Because the front of the sheath folds, it's made of extra-thick leather and it's reinforced at that critical point with two 304 stainless steel Chicago screws, which go completely through the sheath front, welts, and sheath back. This way, no stress is on the stitching at this point. What about the stitching? The belt loop I secured with double row stitching of nylon, for great strength and durability. The belt loop will accommodate a 2.0" wide belt. On the welts, back, and front, I stitched the sheath with double-row stitches, for extreme strength, stiffening, and durability. The sheath is rounded, contoured, smoothed, and sealed with three coats of lacquer for longevity.
  • Casual and PSD wear: Clearly, most of my tactical and combat gear cannot be mistaken for utility wear. Heavy, solid kydex sheaths can be bulky and weighty to wear in the casual sense, nor are they meant to be. This Guardian sheath is different. Because it's hand-tooled leather, more common daily and casual wear is possible, traditionally on the belt. This makes the knife a good choice for PSD (Principal Security Detail, or Security Detail) work.
  • Simply put: This is the most secure, durable, and well-constructed leather sheath possible.
Get more details about the Post Lock leather knife sheath in this section on my Tactical Sheaths page.

2. The Tactical Sheath
  • Weight: 11.4 oz. (323 grams)
  • Materials: Hybrid Tension Tab-Locking in Black Kydex, Black Anodized Aluminum Alloy, Blackened Stainless Steel, anodized 6AL4V Titanium.
  • Description: This sheath is one of my hybrid tension tab-locking models, originally designed for counterterrorism use. This is my proprietary design, the best possible sheath of its type available in the world today. Actually, it is the ONLY type of this sheath available in the world today!
  • Retention Spring Strengths: 5 lb., 15 lb., 20 lb.
Get all of the details about this Hybrid Tension Tab-Locking Sheath at this link.

Included:

Accessories: Belt Loops, Plates, Straps, Clamps

This kit contains my standard belt loop and mounting package.

  • Standard Belt Loops: accommodates 0.190" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Medium Profile Belt Loops: accommodates 0.250" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • High Profile Belt Loops: accommodates .250" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Vertical Flat Mounting Straps: accommodates up to 2.0" wide belt, web, strapping, or gear, clamps rigidly and vertically 90 degrees to the long axis of the sheath, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Horizontal Flat Mounting Straps: accommodates 1" to 3" wide belt, web, strapping, or gear, clamps rigidly and horizontally (in line with the long axis of the sheath), black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
Get all the details about the Belt Loops, Plates, Straps, Clamps, and Fasteners at this link

Included:

LIMA (Lamp, Independent Mounting Assembly

  • Lamp Independent Mount Assembly (LIMA): Backup, emergency, safety LED programmable flashlight and independent web frame and mount, in polypropylene stitched with high strength polyester, anodized 5052 high strength corrosion resistant black anodized aluminum mounting bar, 304 stainless steel ring retainers, nylon elastic shock cord, with ThruNite Ti3 flashlight.
Get all the details about the LIMA: mounting, fasteners, materials, and use at this link

Included:

Storage

  • Envelope Bag: 1000 denier Cordura® ballistic black nylon, waterproof polyurethane coated, inside layered in heavy polyester felt. Stainless steel dot snaps, embroidered patch, removable embroidered name patch with hook and loop
Get the details about the bag at this link

Please click on thumbnail knife photos of this Guardian!
Custom "Guardian" Tactical Counterterrorism Push/Punch dagger and kit with mounting accessories, sheaths and storage Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger, Obverse side view in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, leather double snap positive retention sheath Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, hybrid tension tab-lock sheath in kydex, anodized aluminum and titanium, stainless steel Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger, Obverse side view in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, leather double snap positive retention sheath Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, hybrid tension tab-lock sheath in kydex, anodized aluminum and titanium, stainless steel Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger, Obverse side view in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, leather double snap positive retention sheath Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger, Obverse side view in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, leather double snap positive retention sheath Custom "Guardian" Push/punch tactical counterterrorism dagger in T3 Cryogenically treated CPM154CM powder metal technology martensitic high molybdenum stainless steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, hybrid tension tab-lock sheath in kydex, anodized aluminum and titanium, stainless steel

To see many more options for mounting, wear, and rigging, please visit these pages and look over their detailed photo sets. I've assembled and mounted the knives and kit accessories in a variety of ways, and most of the various arrangements are applicable to this knife as well.


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