Page 80 - Blade (January 2019)
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SHORT ’N SHARP |
The Hogue Microswitch A01 Model 24122 auto has a 1.95-inch drop-point blade of
CPM 154 stainless steel. Handle material: matte grey aluminum. MSRP: $149.95.
A01 MicroSwitch has been a hit since DESIGNS of the TIMES transforming it into the MicroSwitch
it was widely distributed in autumn To accomplish their goal, the Hogue that is available today. The knife has
2017. “It has been difficult to keep it been an undeniable success.”
in stock since its release,” he said. “It is The MicroSwitch retains a 2.75-inch
the smallest knife in the Hogue Knives “EASE OF USE AND ‘ handle also found in larger Hogue
line, and there has been tremendous knives and combines it with the smaller
interest in it. It moves briskly at trade APPROACHABILITY’ ARE blade. “At first notice, it may seem odd
shows, through dealers and over our to have a visually smaller blade deploy
retail website.” TWO KEY FACTORS THAT from the larger handle, but upon han-
Crook considers many factors that dling or using the knife it becomes
weigh in on the wave of popularity in MAKE BLADES OF THIS clear. You get a legal blade and down-
small knives. Among these is the com- sized, streamlined model, yet you do
pany’s location in California, where he SIZE POPULAR.” not have to sacrifice the handling of the
says anything larger in an automatic is knife,” Crook remarked. “Th e larger
illegal. —MIK E M AY handle allows for a full-handed grasp
“We wanted to offer a solution to and control of the knife unlike many
our consumers who live in the auto- braintrust workedwithknifemaker/ sub-2-inch models on the market.”
regulated states,” he commented. designer Allen Elishewitz. “Allen’s mis- The KA-BAR Last Ditch came to
“We have had customer demand for a sion was to design a downsized, robust life while designer Greg Ellefritz was
streamlined smaller Hogue knife since automaticknifewithallthefeatures
our line debuted in 2010. For everyday of our solid full-size line, yet compact
carry, more and more knife users are enoughtocomeinatsub2inches,” “THE LARGER HANDLE
wanting a thinner profile, less bulky Crook added. “Once Allen’s design was
option, and the MicroSwitch satisfies approved, the Hogue team of engineers ALLOWS FOR A FULL-
that demand.” went to work tweaking the design and
HANDED GRASP AND
CONTROL OF THE KNIFE
UNLIKE MANY
SUB-2-INCH MODELS.”
—BILL CROOK
working with the Tactical Defense In-
stitute in Ohio. A law enforcement of-
ficer, Greg designed the knife based on
his own experience on the job.
The CRKT Snicker is 2.93 inches closed. Handle material: “Based on the longevity of this knife,
glass reinforced nylon. Lock: linerlock. Weight: 2.3 ounces. we would consider it to be an over-
whelming success,” Bradley remarked.
“Many people see small blades as a
80 BLADE JANUARY 2019
