"Contego" Counterterrorism/Tactical Knife
NOTICE!
I've made a new layout for the tactical knife descriptions, seen
on this page. I've separated the
components, briefly describing them in individual boxes. In those boxes
are links to dedicated pages describing everything about the part,
component, or accessory. The pages are substantial, and offer the
history, operation, materials, use, mounting, and care of each
accessory.
"Contego" Professional Grade Counterterrorism Combat Knife (Shadow Line)
All Matching in non-reflective flat black camouflage
Designed for professional use, this is a top-of-the-line, incredibly
wear-resistant and ultimate
corrosion-resistant: a combat counterterrorism, tactical, combat,
rescue knife , sheath, and accessory package
that is simply the best made. This package is comprehensive, sturdy, dependable, and useable. NO OTHER SOURCE
can supply what you see here, all finely handmade to work with your gear, your outing, your mission, and your
excursion, no matter the situation and exposure. This is one of the very best counterterrorism/tactical knives and kits made today.
Included:
The Knife
- Size: Length overall: 11.0" (27.9cm), Blade Length: 5.25" (13.3 cm), Thickness: 0.210" (5.3 mm)
- Weight: 14.9 oz. (422 grams)
- Blade: CPM154CM Powder Metal High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered, T3 Specialty Cryogenically treated to Rockwell C61, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
- Bolsters/Fittings: 304 High Nickel, High Chromium Austenitic Stainless Steel, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
- Handle: Black/Gray G10 Fiberglass/Epoxy Laminate Composite
- Type/Purpose/Origin: The Contego is a named for
the Latin word meaning to shield, protect, cover, and defend. This
is a great name for this tactical knife, designed for
counterterrorism, combat and defensive use. My
Contego pattern is evolved from my "Axia"
design, a fine custom tactical knife based on the wide tanto blade. I
decided the Axia may be more secure for defense if it had some
basic design adjustments suited to that specific use. I incorporated
the elliptical finger ring used on some of my other knives, and a
very practical and tough front extended bolster like the one on my "Ari
B'Lilah" knives. The rear bolster is more compact, and it has a
somewhat pointed butt that incorporates a focal apex for force.
It's
not quite the long protruding extension of the "talon" found on the
Ari series. This makes it less prone to interfere with the movement
of the knife user, with a more gentle point that won't scratch the
owner in active hand and arm movement. I've built the Contego to the highest
standards possible: what I'm known for in tactical combat knives, sheaths, and
accessories.
- Blade Steel Alloy: The Contego
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 Contego 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 blade of the
Contego is single-edged, with a three-quarter length top swage
to decrease point thickness without removing too much metal that
would compromise point strength. The blade is wide (the dimension
between the cutting edge and the spine), with a deep hollow grind
that provides a thin, aggressively sharp cutting edge with an
incredible amount of life even through repeated sharpenings. Sharpenings
won't occur often, though; the CPM154CM is strikingly wear-resistant
with this advanced cryogenic heat treatment I've provided. The point
of the knife is extremely stiff, yet of a very rigid acute angle,
ideal for piercing. The secondary cutting point at the yokote (the
dividing line between the hollow grind of the point and the hollow
grind of the main cutting edge) allows bearing down heavily and
applying slicing pressure without compromising the blade. The deep
choil gives a definitive starting point for the cutting edge, and
the extended forward bolster strengthens the entire assembly.
- This is an extreme use, highly wear-resistant, 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 Contego 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 front bolster is contoured
around a 1.25" diameter elliptical forward finger ring,
which is rounded and radiused for comfort and
smoothness. The rear bolster has a large chamfered
3/8" (10 mm) through-tang lanyard hole for added
security when working elevated or over water or in a
debris field. 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 and gray G10, a fiberglass reinforced epoxy composite
that
is one of the most durable and dependable manmade handle materials
on earth. The scales are dovetailed and locked and bedded
under the bolsters, secured with two heavy 304 stainless steel pins. The
handle shape is comfortable and extremely safe, with a
comfortable belly, and a gentle slope for the heel of the hand that makes
the knife mold into the hand. The finger ring offers maximum
security between the hand and the knife, essential in the most
critical of counter-terrorism and combat tactical missions and
applications. This is a feature that is key in cementing the
hand-to-knife grip. The Contego design is comfortable particularly
in the reverse grip, with the thumb laid atop the rear bolster. The
thumb area in forward grip is depressed into the spine, a "thumb
drive" arrangement that stabilizes the thumb while allowing great
force to be applied to the blade. The tang is fully fileworked with
my bold "heterodyne" pattern for increased purchase and
handmade signature. The tang is fully tapered, with plenty of
thickness to support the butt at the rear bolster. The heavy rear
bolster is solidly mounted to the tang with multi-peened
zero-clearance pins, and has an
extra-large 3/8" through-tang lanyard hole for super
security when working elevated or near water or in
special circumstances that require insurance against
losing the knife. The large lanyard hole is chamfered
and dressed smooth for abrasion reduction of the lanyard
and is easy and fast to thread.
- Balance and Feel:
The center of balance of the knife is right at the finger ring, making the blade feel
weight-neutral, and the handle substantial, full, and solid. The
Contego feels serious and dependable, a
steadfast, wear-resistant, and tough stainless
steel cutting tool and defensive weapon.
Included:
The Sheaths
This knife has three sheaths, one in heavy leather, one in tactical combat, tab-locking,
one leather post-lock.
1. The Leather Sheath
- Weight: 9.9 oz. (281 grams)
- Materials: Heavy 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, stainless steel reinforcement screws, hand-stamped, black lacquered, nylon stitching
- Storage: double-layered embroidered drawstring bag in cotton canvas, polyester
- Description: I've included a heavy, tough,
and solid leather sheath for the Contego, in 9-10 oz. leather
shoulder, hand-stamped and tooled. The leather is shoulder, from
mature cows, and is twice as thick as most other knifemakers use.
The sheath mouth at its thickest is reinforced with stainless steel
Chicago screws. The stamp-tooling is a black basketweave pattern for
traditional service-rated appearance. The sheath is also
useful for traditional and conventional wear options. The sheath has a
single belt loop that is double-stitched throughout with the toughest nylon thread that is
water and sunlight resistant. The knife fits deep and secure into
the sheath, with the handle exposed and the high back of the sheath
protecting the wearer. The entire sheath assembly is double-row
stitched for extreme durability. The sheath edges are dressed and smoothed for
comfort; the entire sheath is sealed with lacquer for water
resistance, permanence, and longevity. Leather is irreplaceable in
extremely cold or hot environments, and where absolute silence is
needed in tactical operations with no clicking when in contact
against objects, people, or gear. The leather sheath is also great
for a "non-tactical" outdoors look in a more casual setting when a
knife simply needs to be a tool.
1. The Post-Lock Leather Sheath
- Weight: 9.4 oz. (267 grams)
- Materials: Heavy 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, stainless steel reinforcement screws, hand-stamped, black lacquered, nylon stitching
- Storage: double-layered embroidered drawstring bag in cotton canvas, polyester
- Description: This is a new design at the time
of this writing and sale of this knife. My client requested a knife
sheath that was leather, but had the handle extending from the
sheath for easy access. Additionally, he requested a positively
locking leather sheath, a challenging task indeed! I designed this
great Post-Lock leather sheath, where a post of leather, secured by
internal and external stainless steel dot snaps, engages in the
finger ring of the knife handle for absolutely, positively locking
the knife in the sheath. The sheath is made of 10 oz. heavy shoulder
leather, dyed black and sealed, black heavy #346 nylon thread,
blackened stainless steel snaps, Chicago screws, and fasteners. This
design is so great that I added the details on my
"Locking Tactical Knife" page at this link.
2. The Tactical Sheath
- Weight: 10.9 oz. (309 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!
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
- Horizontal Belt Loop Plates: allows
wear with the long axis of the sheath in line with standard belt, without rigid clamping,
accommodates .250" thick by 1.5" belt, welded black anodized
5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy,
anodized black at 1 mil thickness
- Vertical High Strength Flat Mounting Straps: allows
rigid and high strength clamping of sheath to web, strap, or
both belt loop extenders, made of drilled and milled
blackened 304 high nickel, high chromium stainless steel
Included:
Belt Loop Extenders (2)
- Ultimate Belt Loop Extender (UBLX):
allows wearing with locking sheath and knife handle just
below the belt line, with DMT folding pocket diamond
abrasive sharpener, in black polypropylene, polyester,
black acetyl buckles. DMT diamond sharpener.
- Extended Length Belt Loop Extender (EXBLX):
allows wearing with locking sheath and knife sheath below
the belt line, sheath tail just above knee, with 2" wide leg
strap, in black polypropylene, polyester, blackened stainless steel, acetyl buckles.
Included:
HULA (Holder, Universal, Lamp, Articulating
- HULA with Maglite Mag-Tac flashlight:
provides a primary, fully adjustable flashlight in removable holder,
with a frame that can be aimed and locked in any direction, mounted
on the sheath body no matter where the knife is worn. This is the
very best, most durable flashlight holder made in the world today.
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.
Included:
Sternum Harness Plus
- Sternum Harness Plus: allows wearing of
locking sheath upside down across sternum, handle down, in black polypropylene,
polyester, acetyl buckles
Included:
Diamond Abrasive Sharpener, Lanyards
- Diamond Sharpener with Pad/Sheath:
Diamond abrasive sharpening stone, 2" x 6",
double-sided (400G/600G), nickel bonded diamond abrasives
over phenolic core, heavy nylon sheath to store and protect
other gear from diamond abrasives; sheath doubles as work
pad so diamond does not scratch surfaces, stitched with
polyester, hook and loop closure
- Lanyards: 550 Nylon Kernmantle Rope (Paracord)
sliding noose lanyard, waterproof adjustable SCUBA lanyard with
silicone rubber padding
Included:
Duffle, Storage
- Duffle Bag: 1000 denier Cordura®
ballistic nylon, waterproof polyurethane coated,
interior lined with heavy polyester felt. Nylon, polyester,
polypropylene sling handles, embroidered patch, removable
embroidered name patch with hook and loop
- Storage bags and tins for hardware, leather sheath,
HULA assembly
Please click on thumbnail knife photos of this Contego!
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.
