This may seem a little random, but I came across this fun blade while working on a MSM side project (to be revealed soon). Zombie Tools is a small USA company that makes no messing around blades with the intent of "accessories for the apocalypse". Now everyone will have their opinion on "zombie" stuff being fun or a silly waste, but the zombie tools brand being viable weapons is stone cold fact. Everything they offer emanates the concept of deadly efficiency. Offering many designs for the size class desired, even rowdy big, their blade construction starts with 5160 spring steel and feature unique distressed effects on the final look. I'm a fan as I feel it adds to the personality of the blades and encourages the user to beat the shit out of it; to actually use it rather than coddling it like a baby trying to keep a clean look.

This here stabby tool is another example of looking fairly plain yet has clever design features that make it stand out in other ways. SAH stands for Safety Auto Hook so the big show is definitely the integrated cutting hook built into the handle. I've seen designs where hooks are built into the handle, but this is certainly the first time I've seen a hook that retracts back into handle. The retracting design cuts down on bulk and accidental snagging while giving a more "basic" knife appearance. To make up for the speed of an open hook design that is always ready, the auto hook is spring loaded with button on the side.

I've been on the lookout for some fixed blade action so was fortunate to have the opportunity to check out this here DPx HEST knife. The backstory is that ESEE (formerly RAT Cutlery) teamed up with Robert Young Pelton to make this bad boy. DP is an abbreviation for Dangerous Places while HEST stands for Hostile Environment Survival Tool. Mr. Pelton is apparently no slouch on the dangerous places subject and has done a lot of high adventure action in his day. (BIO) As for what the knife can do, it has some pretty nifty features that make it an adaptable blade to many environments. The core is of course the business end which sports a fairly classic shaped blade capable of stabbing, slashing, and cutting. The thickest part of the blade is about 3/16" which is thicker than most knives of this size class to add durability. For an overall finish a Textured Powder Coat is used that gives a tough look and result. Since made from 1095 High Carbon Steel it should be noted that despite being good stuff, the exposed areas such as the cutting edge and logo engraving will be more prone to rust and stains thus should be properly maintained.

www.kershawknives.com

SPECS
Steel: S30V stainless-steel with Plain Edge & Tungsten DLC Black coating
Handle: Textured G-10
Blade: 3 1/4 in. (8.25 cm) Closed: 4 5/8 in. (11.75 cm)
Overall: 7 5/8 in. (20.002 cm) Weight: 6.2 oz.

For those who thought the ZT 0300 was pretty snazzy, but just a little too big, the 0350 was made for you.