Remington Premier Tactical Zulu Series 1 Civilian

Remington may be best known in the knife field for its popular series of Bullet folders introduced in 1921 and reborn in the early 1980s, but the company's newest line of cutlery is a decidely different breed of blade. In keeping with the current trend of things black and battle-ready, Remington Premier Tactical knives are designed for civilian, law enforcement and military operators who want a knife that can handle more than just routine outdoor chores.

The Zulu is one of three knives in the line that also includes the Echo and Tango. Each knife is offered with a fixed or folding blade—respectively designated Series I and Series II—with a clip, drop or Tanto point. Civilian, law enforcement and military models vary by the type of steel used in their construction, its finish and the logo on the blade.

To produce the Premier Tactical knives, Remington contracted the Italian Consorzio Coltellinai Maniago, or Maniago Cutlers' Consortium, a group of about 50 small knifemakers based in the country's northeastern province of Pordenone. The town of Maniago and its craftsmen have a history of metalworking that traces back to the 14th century, and this heritage is exemplified in the quality of the Zulu sample Remington sent for review.

With a blade and full tang made of 3/16-inch-thick 440C stainless steel, the Zulu Series I Civilian is 10 1/2 inches long but weighs just 8 ounces. The blade accounts for 4 3/4 inches of that length and is coated in PTFE Teflon to reduce friction when cutting or chopping. For tough jobs like thick rope, nylon webbing or cloth, the blade's top edge has a run of dual-toothed serrations 1 3/4 inches long. The grind that provides for the serrations ends in a set of bevels that first widen the top edge and then taper forward to narrow the clip point. Viewed from above, the bevels form an elongated diamond shape that lends strength to the point. They also give the top edge a flat surface, which could be struck with another object to increase cutting force.

Front quillons coupled with two areas of deep jimping on the top and bottom edge of the handle prevent the hand from sliding forward while the Zulu is in use. The jimping will also keep the knife from slipping out of a binding. Anodized aluminum scales with non-slip inserts cover the knife's handle, which ends in a blunt hawksbill quillon. For retention, the Zulu has lanyard holes at the front and back of its handle. It comes in a Cordura belt sheath that has a small pocket for a sharpening stone.

This is one serious knife, and it carries a serious price tag. Retail price is about $100, but when the going gets tough, the Zulu will be worth every penny.