CRKT Shinbu

Designed by knifemaker James Williams for military personnel and SpecOps, the CRKT Shinbu contains a massive, fearsome 9.25-inch-long blade and is immediately ready for deployment. This is one serious knife, one intended to be wielded by serious warriors on serious missions.

Which is probably why Brad Thor sought to include it in his soon-to-be-released "Code of Conduct," the latest in the series centering on counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath. Thor explains his gear choices in the September 2015 issue of Shooting Illustrated article. Much like the CRKT Otanashi noh Ken Thor included in "Act of War," the Shinbu was chosen based on design, durability and general badassery (I think we just made that word up...)

Constructed of YK-30 steel with a blade HRC of 57-59, the Shinbu is 9.25 inches long and weighs in slightly more than 13 ounces. The handle is a cord wrap over ray, designed to mesh with the kydex sheath. The blade is a modified tanto design that sweeps the full length and is provided as a single, plain edge with no serrations.

Picking up the Shinbu, it is readily apparent this is a fighting knife with a singular purpose. The handle is immediately familiar to anyone moderately versed in Japanese fighting swords and daggers, and the balance is superb, slightly ahead of the handle. The tip is narrow and wicked, and the blade, while not quite razor sharp as it comes from the factory, can almost certainly be honed to an edge with which one could shave.

MSRP: $350, includes kydex sheath and wooden presentation box.