KA Custom Masada Framelock Tanto with Zirc Details

Gone, but never forgotten! The Masada was the second folder Dave ever designed. Based on the popular Samaritan design, and utilizing the same frame... but never made anywhere near the numbers the Sammy was.

The Masada was a passion project for Dave as he has always loved the lines of a good tanto, and was at the time deeply involved in the tactical world where tantos hold special sway. Conversations at the time with Seal team members as well as several LEO Swat units resulted in two tanto models were born. The fixed blade version coined the "Seraphim" became the team knife of our local Sheriff's Swat unit on which two of Dave's dear friends served. The folder, became known as the Masada as both a tribute to the ancient Jewish fortress that was besieged by the Romans... but also as a tip of the hat to MagPul industries that were developing their own weapon at that time of the same name. Any of you gunheads will know about the time frame that happened, and also know who went on to become the bushmaster ACR. Masada sounds way cooler!

Jump forward a handful of years, and Dave decided to set aside several folder designs.. the Masada among them. Always willing to blow it big time, but eventually self-correct, Dave has brought back two of those designs that really should never have gone anywhere dumb dumb. The Masada is back!

Constructed from .187 thick 6al4V titanium, every folder is completely hand-built by Dave. This one had its frame first contoured by hand on a slack belt to create a nice rounded CC'd "melted" contour. Speaking of melted... the orange peel texture you see covering all the titanium is hand applied using a wire wheel on the buffer, and earns Dave plenty of blisters in its application!

Details worth pointing out with this build are the black Zirconium pivot and collars.  Which in this application, work in conjunction with the pivot and lockbar to double as a lock bar stabilizer and over-travel stop. This pivot/overtravel setup is an extremely streamlined and clean way to mechanically stabilize the locking system of a framelock without being obtrusive or overly complicated. Or more importantly, hidden inside of a frame where if it were to work itself loose... the end user would have to take the whole frame apart to tighten up their lockbar stabilizer. 

 

The clip on this folder was fabricated out of "DARK TI" which is essentially a Titanium and Zirconium damascus, forged by Chad Nichols down in Blue Springs, MS. Worked and machined the same as if it were Titanium, the material is then torched to turn the zirconium black then hand buffed to bring the Titanium content back into the "white". The end result is a black-and-white effect that matches the vibe of this folder perfectly while adding some unique classiness.

The hand-ground CPM-154 blade is wearing a satin stonewashed finish that looks great and holds up extremely well to use over time. The primary edge is hollow ground with a traditional primary/secondary cutting-edge layout. The nose of the tanto however is a steeper zero flat grind for strength and piercing power. 

A few subtle milling details and a stonewashed finish complete the frame, and Bob's your uncle! Lockup at 30% on face, bank vault solid w/smooth release on carbidized lockface. Blade riding on stainless pivot w/phosphor bronze washers, ceramic detent. Butter smooth and long-lasting w/minimal maintenance required.

8.5" OAL

3.75" Blade

6.5 oz