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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Further evolution in non-metallic tools - Sub Rosa

You've seen here before some of the non-metallic tools that I've made, and while such items, made entirely from composites or plastics, are surprisingly effective, the one thing that they really do not do well is cut.
Oh, you can try any manner of things, using carbon fiber, instead of G10, different resins, etc. But the reality of it is that plastics are just too soft to really cut anything well.
So, if you want a non-metallic tool for covert operations, non-permissive environments or any such need that you might have, what can you realistically do?
Well, there are ceramic knives that could potentially do the job. The trouble with most ceramic knives is that they tend to the fragile. As hard as ceramic is, it is also rather brittle. And it is expensive, especially coming from the few people in the knifemaking field that actually makes knives suitable for covert, self-defense use.
So, given my penchant for laminates, I decided to see if I couldn't come up with a laminate that both satisfied the need for cutting ability and durability, but was also a little more attainable than the other solutions.
And I did. I call it the Sub Rosa line and you can expect to see several more varieties come up as I further develop the process, but in essence what you'll see are ceramic-cored laminates, completely non-metallic, that not only cut, but also are significantly more durable when it comes to lateral strength - a traditional weakness of all-ceramic knives - which translates into significantly less risk of a blade snapping if you have to go hands-on with an attacker.
This first prototype that you are about to see pictures of, is made with a carbon fiber laminate. This will likely be superceded with the use of other materials in future varieties, as there is a concern that carbon fiber might be conductive enough to get picked up by security systems.
The carbon fiber is largely an aesthetic choice at any rate and offers no real advantages over other composites.
Unlike most of the other solutions I've seen out there, the Sub Rosa line will offer a variety of designs, all of which will have substantial, secure grips, and will still focus heavily on being easily concealable. Carry systems will be available with any number of different attachment options, all of them fully non-metallic.
So, there you have it. Strong, capable, non-metallic tools, designed to to be reliable and there when you need them. The Sub Rosa.


Compact, sharp and pointy with a secure grip, the first of the Sub Rosa line offers a reliable and lethal package.


The stippling on the grip offers a secure, non-slip grip even when your hands are covered in fluids of questionable origins, but is easy on your skin and clothes without snagging.

The Sub Rosa is perfectly balanced exactly at the forefinger, making for a quick and responsive blade in the hand.

The sheath is standard kydex, but unlike the typical riveted construction, this is held together with kevlar cord, for a strong and durable carry system. As you see it in the picture, it is setup for IWB carry, on the center-line. Easy to access, even in a scrum.





I feel compelled to add that due to the incredibly vague legislation when it comes to export of such items, and the potential for running afoul of the import regulations of other countries, I cannot sell any non-metallic tools to customers outside the US. It is simply not worth the risk. 

2 comments:

  1. Hey, bro! I wondered where you disappeared to & if you were still making. Glad to see things going well for you!

    The Sub Rosa has my interest piqued. I'd be interested in detials...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Rob! Glad to hear from you. I sent you an email to your .edu address. Let me know if you got it!

    ReplyDelete