M10 Gryphon: Thumbs Up for FFG

This little and fast fixed blade just got better. A super short look at the full flat grind VG10. The sheath is even better now too: SheathPro using .080 Boltaron.

www.cutleryshoppe.com use code nutnfancy for free shipping. Wicked little blade, super light, good steel.///////////////////Original writeup: It's unobtrusive and hangs on through all your maneuvers. Designed by Bob Terzuola, this mini stabber features the upgraded VG10 steel that now arrives wicked sharp from box. The 4" spearpoint dominated the cardboard stabbing protocol I put it through (shown). After a 100 or so pierces and some cutting tests, the hollow ground edge still has a keen edge; very suprising. VG10 continues to be one of my favorite knife steels for this edge retention, ease of sharpening, and rust resistance. The Gryphon M-10 tip is strong and showed no wear in my testing. I'm sure if abused someone can break the knife but it's a rugged full-tanged companion. Black DLC coating wears well and kills reflection if you put the knife into my recommened Soldier POU. The 4" blade in a tactical folder would be considered large so don't be fooled by the Gryphon's compact form; some consider the size to be ideal for CQB (I continue to like a larger fixed blade for reach if it can be carried/integrated). Some jimping resides topside but it could be sharper. The Zytel handle has excellent side traction and features the "Bob T" squared shoulders which I'd like to see more rounded. But in the short cutting tasks this little Gryphon will be called upon to do, it probably won't matter. The Mike Sastre (of River City Sheaths) produced sheath is total perfection and each one is hand fitted to each knife. It doesn't rattle, lose its shape, get waterlogged, or wear out. In extended upside down carry in my Run N Guns, the knife held firm. You can opt for IWB, upside down, horizontal, or vertical carry methods to suit your systems. At just 6 ounces, the M-10 will be there when you need it without being obnoxious and it will be less failure prone than most tactical folders. Value is high considering this handmade sheath and the demonstrated toughness of the blade. In Soldier Blade or EDC POUs the little M-10 will give your carry system some reliable edged weapon backup. ///////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 8.5 out of 10///http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/gryphonm10ffgutilitybootknife-40ffglaminatedvg-10bladewdlcfinish-blackboltaronsheathprosheath.aspx