First Look: Bear OPS Rancor IV Folding Knife

Bear OPS is a division of Bear & Sons Cutlery that is focused on professional-grade knives for everyday use and represents a new line of American-made pocketknives. These new offerings feature premium materials and proven dependability for the tactical, defense-ready user and expand on the reliable Rancor family of knives.

Bear OPS is adding two medium-sized models to the Rancor lineup, one with a drop-point style blade and the other with a tanto blade. They are also introducing two larger knives which also have an option for either a drop-point blade or a tanto-style blade.

The new Bear OPS Rancor IV knives come standard with a professional, hand-sharpened edge and black epoxy powder coating. The blade on every Rancor IV knife is shaped from Sandvik 14C28N, a premium steel that has high molecular strength and is tough and corrosion-resistant while still offering dependable edge retention. Bear OPS also includes precision ball bearing washers to provide super-smooth blade deployment, every time, a feature that is not commonly found on similar knives in this class.

The Rancor IV pocket knives include aluminum handles with texturing to ensure a comfortable and secure grip. These handles are lightweight, which  reduces field carry load, and easy to clean. They are able to withstand hard use typical of first responder duties. All of these new knives feature a durable pocket clip that provides for tip-up carry and retention security deep in a pocket or while attached to a duty belt.

Rancor IV Features:

• Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Steel with Black Epoxy Powder Coating
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length (Medium): 6½ inches
• Overall Length (Large): 7¾ inches
• Closed Length (Medium): 3¾ inches
• Closed Length (Large): 4½ inches
• Weight (Medium): 3.1 ounces
• Weight (Large): 4.5 ounces
• Other Features: Ball bearing washers, deep carry pocket clip, lifetime warranty

MSRP for the medium drop-point and tanto models of the Rancor IV is $92.99, and the large drop-point and tanto models have an MSRP of $109.99. Learn more about these knives and other items from Bear OPS is available at bearandsoncutlery.com.