Friday, May 27, 2011

CRKT Hissatsu Tactical Fixed Blade Knife Review


The Hissatsu is primarily a fighting knife designed by CRKT and James Williams. You may notice the name because James has been the "go to guy" on the discovery and history channels when it comes to samurai and combat tools and how they’re used. So it’s not surprising that he knows what’s needed in a combat knife.

The Hissatsu name translated means “certain kill” which just about says it all. The CRKT Hissatsu knife is designed like the Japanese samurai katana which is a long curved blade which is made so that the user can draw the blade from the sheath and go right into a cut. The curved blade allows the user to not just cut right from the sheath but it allows you to make that cut then the blade will cut its way out of the body so that the tool can be used right away. Most combat knives have straight blades and when you make a slashing cut with a straight blade the blade tends to cut down then you need to pull the blade out but with a curved blade it does this work for you by cutting your blade out so it can be used right away.


James Williams designed this knife to be used for combat and self-defense. I have seen a few reviews where people have said this knife can’t be used as a utility knife which I don’t agree with because any blade can be used as a utility knife even a butter knife. But this knife was not designed for that. The blade is very sharp and comes down to a very fine edge. It's ideal usage is for slashing and stabbing if you were to use it as a utility knife it would become dull faster than other knives that where designed to do utility tasks.

The CRKT Hissatsu knife comes in 4 models, one tan on tan, one black on black and one with a black handle and polished blade then there is a model called Hisshou which is a larger model. The handles of the Hissatsu are made from zytel which is a very hard and durable thermoplastic and the handle has a second coating of which is softer and much grippier. This knife has no tang pommel and the knife was made that way so that you’re not limited on ways to use it. When you have sharp points on the pommel this tends to limit you from being able to put your hand over the tail and drive down onto the blade for more power that’s why James made the pommel this way.

The only down side of the Hissatsu knife is the sheath I really like the size and the shape but it just doesn’t hold the knife as secure as I would like. What I think companies should do is to make a small set screw near the point where it grips the knife allowing you to adjust how well it holds. It’s a small thing but I feel it would make a big difference.

The blade of the CRKT Hissatsu knife is made from 440A steel and I have had good luck with this type of steel. 440A steel stays very sharp and holds its edge very well and because it is stainless steel its also low maintenance. What really surprised me about Hissatsu knife was its penetrating power. The blade comes to such a sharp point and the steel is so thick that it’s like a large metal tooth that can be driven into just about any webbing or vest with very little effort.

When it comes to a combat knife for fighting slashing and stabbing there is no better and this knife defiantly makes it into my top 10 self-defense knives and is very affordable when it comes to a combat knife.

To buy or get more information on the Columbia River Hissatsu Tactical Knife with Black Blade and Kydex Sheath, click the link below.

Columbia River Hissatsu Tactical Knife 6.62" Black Blade Kydex Sheath



All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

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2 comments:

  1. It is really great to read history of Hissatsu Tactical Knife. I was not aware from the history of Hissatsu Tactical Knife.

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  2. Hi all,

    A key part of this system is the Hissatsu based on an old Japanese design. The unique shape of the blade, made famous by the legendary Samurai warlord Takeda Shingen, provides enormous penetrating power and superior slashing capability in one blade, which works with the natural motion of the body. Thanks a lot.....

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