Columbia River Kommer Integral Fixed Blade Knife and SheathHere’s a knife designed by Russ Kommer for Special Forces units. He knows that operators want a knife that gets right to the point. So there are no bells or whistles, nothing to break or fall off. Instead, it is a single hot-forged piece of carbon steel that is just about indestructible. It is called the Columbia River Kommer Integral Fixed Blade Knife and Sheath, or I.F.B.
Steels in their as-cast or bar stock state have randomly oriented crystals and occasional defects such as voids and inclusions which can create weak areas. In hot forging, Columbia River heats 6168CrV carbon steel to 1,000 degrees F and force it into a die under pressure. The resulting plastic deformation refines the grain structure and improves the physical properties of the metal, including its strength, ductility and toughness. After finishing and heat treatment, they arrive at 59 to 61 Rockwell hardness for great edge-holding ability. Finally the knife is given a black EDP non-reflective coating to resist corrosion.
The I.F.B. design uses a modified drop point 3.82 inch blade, taper ground for maximum strength. The handle is wide to give a secure grip, and is contoured to fit the hand. It is fully skeletonized to reduce weight, and ample smaller holes allow the operator to fit a lanyard or to cord wrap the handle if desired. At 7.7 ounces, the I.F.B. has very good balance for a one-piece knife and enough heft to aid penetration.
Tactical Sheath. The I.F.B. comes with a custom-molded black Kydex sheath with a detent which firmly grips the knife, allowing inverted carry. The sheath uses Columbia River’s patented multi-position quick-release clip, which can be attached with Chicago screws for vertical or horizontal carry on belts, webbing or equipment. To remove the sheath, you simply squeeze the locking clips together and pull up on the flexible tab.
There you have it. Not much poetry here. This is a knife with a mission, and it’s designed to take abuse that most other knives cannot tolerate. Gentlemen, you have your orders.
Features:
- 2870: Razor-Sharp Cutting Edge
- Blade: Length: 3.82 inches (97 mm)
- Thickness: 0.13 inch (3.3 mm)
- Steel: 6168CrV, 59-61 HRC
- Knife: Overall length: 8.67 inches (220 mm)
- Weight: 7.7 ounces (218 g)
- Kommer I.F.B. Sheath (included with knife)
- Material: Kydex
- Overall length: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
- Width: 2.38 inches (60 mm)
- Weight: 2.5 ounces (71 g)
