Masters Of Defense knives

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ridingtank83

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Jun 9, 2013
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Hi everyone, I have what I believe to be two extremely early Masters Of Defense knives, one hornet, and one point man. Need a little help evaluating what I have. Thanks for any help
 
If they are early masters of defense knives, I can tell ya that they were made in Asheville NC.
 
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What would be considered early, I have a knife "Lady Hawk" the box says Keating Hornet, is that what you have?
 
One day this guy noticed my pocket clip at the store. He asked what I was carrying and it happened to be a Kershaw Blur that day. When I asked him about his blade, he busted out some Masters of Defense knife. Only time I've ever seen one of those in person.

Shinfo, I know :rolleyes:
 
If you have an original Masters of Defense they are superb folders. Just look at the thickness of the lock liner and go from there (3x the thickness of an Emerson?). I am always on the lookout for them in knife shops and pawn shops--sometimes you get really great deals on them because of so many peoples' unfamiliarity with the brand.

I won't touch one by the current manufacturer. As far as I'm concerned they've virtually destroyed the brand--lesser steel, design, etc.​

You can probably Goog enough of their history and reviews to see how good they are. They weren't around long. From what I hear cops are very high on them as are tactical collectors.

My Point Man is one of my top 3 EDC folders. MOD's are every bit the equivalent of high end ZT's, Benchmades, Emersons, etc. And in most cases designed by experts. F & F flawless, 154CFM at 60 as I recall on most of their blades. Great handles and grips. Very well built knives with a good rep among most knuts.

Don't get rid of those knives until you know what you have. They are very well respected among those who encountered them. You happen to have two of the most sought. I have the Watson Point Man in a numbered limited...still looking for a matching Janitzch model.

Whatever you do, check out their boxed set....polished blades, numbered, engraved set of their top five folders in a wooden presentation box--two of them your models. Sweeeet. I think my Point Man is from a broken such set. The set's in an old thread or two around here....

EDIT: Actually, I think that boxed set is my grail. Yeah....
 
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uncle value said:
What would be considered early, I have a knife "Lady Hawk" the box says Keating Hornet, is that what you have?
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Both are Masters of Defense models. I think the Lady Hawke was their karambit, the Keating a 3-inch folder.
 
uncle value said:
I cant remember when I bought the knife, but it seems 15 years ago?
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That would be about right. I think they peaked around 2000/01. They were suddenly gone.

Seems like I heard the story once...group of good designers...turned out a great series of products with MOD...success...each went independent after that. Kind of like rock and roll.

I think Janitsch is still designing.
 
Martial Blade Concepts is Michael Janich's business if you're looking. Close Quarters Defense is the name of Duane Dieter's school. (MKV/CQD I/CQD II) I own a MK V, a CQD I and CQD II as well as a PE CQD II Auto all from the original makers.
 
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The original MODs were very well made knives. I had a point man and a Dieter. I wound up trading them along with a little cash for a pistol. I wish I still had em!
 
I still have my three Masters Of Defense (MOD) knives from 2005. They're very well made.

Two folders: 30-4 Keating Hornet (Liner Lock, 3.1" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM), STT685 (Button Lock, 2.88" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM).

One fixed blade: 50-4 Razorback (3.875" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM).
 
The razor back is awesome. I had a harkins triton but traded it. I regret it more than any other trade ive made. Now I just have an old cqd mark 1 auto.
 
RamZar said:
I still have my three Masters Of Defense (MOD) knives from 2005. They're very well made.

Two folders: 30-4 Keating Hornet (Liner Lock, 3.1" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM), STT685 (Button Lock, 2.88" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM).

One fixed blade: 50-4 Razorback (3.875" Partially Serrated Blade of 154CM).
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Here are pictures of my 3 MODs from 2005. From top to bottom: 50-4 Razorback, 30-4 Keating Hornet and STT685:

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I have a MOD LTC875 clip point button auto that I picked up for a song. Super solid knife. I wish I could find more about the design history of the LT line. And, too bad I cannot carry autos in my state. I'm still on the look out for a Tempest at a reasonable price. I like MODs.
 
A few on mine. My father in law was the GM of the machine shop that made them. He has multiples of every blade they made NIB. It is quite the MOD collection. Some of the fixed blades are VERY nice. Notice the Harkins triton was mis stamped, which made it a second.


 
NCCNC said:
A few on mine. My father in law was the GM of the machine shop that made them. He has multiples of every blade they made NIB. It is quite the MOD collection. Some of the fixed blades are VERY nice. Notice the Harkins triton was mis stamped, which made it a second.


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The folder is a BlackHawk MOD, correct?
 
EChoil said:
Are those original MOD's or Blackhawk?
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Originals before Blackhawk. I got them brand new in Summer 2005.

After taking those pictures I realized they needed to be cleaned. Washed with detergent and tap water, dried and lubed. They look much better now! Function was always smooth sans the dirty looks.
 
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