Mad Dog Knives

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

FoundedBear Valley Springs, CA
1988; 37 years ago (1988)
Key people
Kevin McClung
Mad Dog Knives
IndustryManufacturing
FoundedBear Valley Springs, CA
1988; 37 years ago (1988)
HeadquartersPrescott Valley, Arizona
Key people
Kevin McClung
ProductsKnives
RevenueN/A
Number of employees
N/A

Mad Dog Knives is a custom knifemaking facility headed by Kevin McClung, a former Senior Materials Scientist at the American Rocket Company, Mad Dog Knives is based in Prescott, Arizona.[1][2] Mad Dog Knives made the fixed-blade knife known as the ATAK, used by Naval Special Warfare Groups 1 and 2 after the "SEAL Trials" of 1992.[3] Mad Dog Knives are typically made from selectively tempered, hand ground O1 Tool Steel with a hardchrome plating to protect the blade.[1]

Mad Dog Knives makes tactical fixed-blade knives, originally using Starrett 496-O1 high carbon tool steel and later switching to Precision Marshall Presco American Made 01, which is given a proprietary heat treatment. This process includes hardening, stress relieving, and selectively tempering the blade.[1] As a result, the blades have an edge hardness of 62-63 on the Rockwell C scale whereas the tip, spine, and tang have a Rockwell hardness of 50-54.[1] This heat treatment was devised to develop phenomenal edge retention while preventing tip breakage and maintaining a degree of flexibility on the softer spine to improve the toughness of the knife. The blades are coated with a layer of hard chrome as a method of abrasion and corrosion resistance.[1]

Mad Dog Knives utilizes a proprietary glass/epoxy composite material for the handle material of its knives.[1] This material can withstand long term heat in excess of 149 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit), a tractive force of 79,000 psi, current of 1,000 volts per mil (0.001") of thickness and is impervious to salt water, diesel oil, benzine and other caustic/corrosive fluids.[1][4] Mad Dog Knives utilizes Kydex 100 ® as a sheath material. [1][5]

Mad Dog Knives has made ceramic MIRAGE X blades and blades from other non-metallic materials for EOD and other military usage.[6] These knives are not available for sale to the general public.[6]

Military models

In the media

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI