Chris Reeve Knives: Aviator-A2 Steel

Chris Reeve Knives: Aviator-A2 Steel

The idea of the one piece knife was born while Chris was serving time in the South African Army on the Namibia/Angola border in 1979.  The experiences of military service have contributed substantially to the features in these knives.

Chris realized that the ideal working knife was a tool which was strong, reliable and impervious to temperature and humidity.  Extensive time has been devoted to design, and research and development to improve both the blade designs and the methods used in making the knives.

Each knife is made from a solid billet of A2 tool steel.  The stock removal method results in two distinct advantages--the strength/weight ratio is exceptional and there is no handle/blade join.  This means that there is no area where the blade and handle could come apart--a weakness in the design of other hollow handle knives.  The handle cavity is larger than that of any similar knife.  The hollow handle is closed with a butt cap made of 6061 aluminum which screws into the handle against a Neoprene "O" ring, ensuring the cavity is sealed from dust and moisture.  All the one piece knives are hardened to 55-57 RC and random checks are made to ensure accuracy.  This hardness gives superb toughness, good edge retention and allows for efficient sharpening in the field. Each knife is coated with super hi-tech KG Gun-Koteä originally developed for use in the aerospace industry.  This coating offers a durable, long-lasting, non-reflective covering. Included in the price of each knife is a hand-made leather sheath.  A lifelong guarantee, signed by Chris accompanies each knife. 

Designed to incorporate the two basic criteria required in knives destined for hard field usage, these spearpoints have plenty of blade weight and good strong points. This design has been used by professional soldiers all over the world who have found them to be extremely good weapons as well as rugged dependable tools.

• The one piece design offers the highest possible weight/strength ratio
• A2 Tool Steel offers excellent edge retention and good shock resistance
• Hardness at between 55 and 57 Rockwell C is not brittle but gives good edge retention along with ease of sharpening
• An 8" hollow grind is used with a full thickness back edge. All designs are ground to allow the full thickness of the back edge to come as close to the point as possible, affording a very strong front tip but not restricting the knife's ability to pierce
• The hollow handle, which is created to reduce weight, is larger than any similar sized knife because there is no join between handle and blade
• The aluminum butt cap provides an airtight closure for the hollow handle and is designed so that it can be used for hammering. Because using the knife as a hammer can be dangerous to one's knuckles and fingers, we do not recommend that this be done unless in an emergency situation. It is preferable to use a hammer
• Full depth precision machined knurling affords maximum non-slip grip
• Non-reflective KG Gun-Koteä coating gives lasting protection
• All knives carry a lifetime guarantee and a damaged knife will be replaced or repaired at Chris' discretion. This guarantee does not cover damage to a knife that has been thrown or used for heavy levering
• These knives are used by hunters, backpackers, SWAT teams, military personnel, firefighters and police all over the world. They are also to be found in many knife collections and most of our customers own more than one of our knives
• Each hand made leather sheath is designed to fit the knife well, to give maximum protection to the carrier and the knife when being carried. Because we continue to improve our design, sheaths supplied might not be exactly as shown in the brochure
• Replacement butt caps and sheaths are available at reasonable prices
• Many customers feel that once their knives have been used, they lose collector's value.  This is not so as the knife can be returned to our workshop, where it will be sandblasted, re-coated with KG Gun-Koteä, sharpened and returned to it's original condition.  Refer to retail price list for cost.  Please return knife in sheath

The Aviator is a good everyday carry knife and the pancake sheath rides high and snug.

Specifications