THE SHRIKE
A Modern Warrior's Defensive Knife
Design Philosophy of The Shrike
I spent most of my career designing and creating knives for self defence purposes. It’s quite frankly the reason I became a knife maker, and the Shrike is the first knife I ever designed.
Over the course of nearly a decade I have refined this knife to be what you can see below. The Shrike is a formidable Defensive EDC Knife, purpose designed, functional in every way, and crafted to exacting standards that do not detract from its purpose.
The Shrike is a Pikal knife which blends the ferocity of Philipino Martial Arts with the elegance and grace of Japanese aesthetics. The word “Pikal” in the Visayan dialect literally means “to rip”, and gives hints to the origins and the devastating ability of this blade. The reason I chose the Pikal as the basis of my ultimate defensive knife is because it is unmatched for the close-in nature of defensive work. The ambush scenario is not a duel, it is not what is depicted in films, it is a brutal contest of survival. Having a weapon with simple mechanics, sound ergonomics, and robust features that will deliver damage quickly and efficiently is what’s required, and this is where the Shrike excels like no other.
I also don’t say this alone. Over my career I’ve been lucky enough to get the Shrike into the hands of many qualified professionals, civilians, and industry experts like Terry Trahan, Wim Demeere and Jason Schultz. All of whom have happily put testimonials to my work.
The Shrike adheres to my philosophical leanings the most strictly of all my works. The blade is crafted from simple high carbon steels, tried and tested, with no complicated heat treating schedule required to get the best out of them. I always use thick stock, around 5mm to ensure the blade has plenty of mass behind its point, both for strength and tip integrity, but also adding mass to the strike, with the weight bias firmly int he palm of the user’s hand.
I In the Defensive scenario nothing should be taken for granted or assumed, and with the Shrike I wanted to create a blade that would survive whatever it encountered including lateral torque when the blade is trapped in bone, or even clothing, during the struggle. I wanted the point to be able to drive through tougher materials like leather clothing with ease, and service impacts against metal zippers or buckles.
The stout nature of this blade sculped from thick steel is for a very good reason. Survival.
Ergonomically, the handle is crafted to fit the hand like a glove in the reverse grip position. This is how a Pikal like the Shrike should ideally be used, however, it can work well enough in the forward grip orientation as well if needed. The handle profile itself is designed to minimise issues with snagging while accessing, and stripping actions. And of course, it is designed to be carried concealed, not he belt, either inside or outside the waistband.
The Aesthetics of the Shrike
It’s no accident that this is one elegant knife. I’ve made countless Shrike’s in more utilitarian materials. “Tactical” black G10 and ceramic finishes. But there are many knives that fill that need out in the world.
I personally ascribe to the idea that just because something is beautifully made and appointed, doesn’t mean it should be a safe queen. I’ve heard the words “it’s too beautiful to carry” so many times, but why? Warrior cultures the world over have always adorned their weapons, as a point of pride.
I have taken the decision to really only make the Shrike beautifully, giving it the attention and dress that a knife like this truly deserves. As the wearer, I would hope to respect a life saving weapon with enough reverence to care for it and ensure it keeps its lustre.
The Specifications of The Shrike
While I will craft the Shrike from different steels and different aesthetic themes, certain aspects are constant. Some adjustments to these base specifications can be accommodated, especially for legal considerations or specific carry needs.
Blade Steel: 1095 or Aogami #2
Thickness: ~ 5mm / 0.22″
Blade Length: 85mm / 3.35″ along the cutting edge
Overall Length: 200mm / 7.85″
Handle Type: Modern Tsukamaki
A Note About Themes
I almost always work in themes when it comes to aesthetics. I prefer to consider the theme of the piece, and choose colours and textures based on this, rather than simply cobbling together what I’m asked for. I understand this is at odds with what many people expect from “custom” makers. but I’ve been there and done that.
I now work to express my artistic vision, and prefer my clients to be more like patrons of my art, than mere customers. My process involves getting to know you, why you are commissioning a Shrike, and to decipher what will suit you best. This is a process that happens over a discussion, or maybe a few discussions.
You can see some examples of my previous work in the galleries below. If you are interested in commissioning a Shrike for yourself please contact me to be put on my Waiting List.
