Delta2Alpha H2Sierra Folding Knife

Delta2Alpha Design and ModusCQC are bringing to market, through Fox Knives, their H2Sierra folder. This is a clip-equipped, one-hand-open tactical folding knife that, at first glance, looks like many other folding knives on the market.  Consider the knife carefully, however, because it has a few things that make it a particularly excellent choice for a defensive folding blade.

The first thing one notices about the H2Sierra (our evaluation sample was the prototype, serial number 001) is the “reverse belly” of the blade, which is claw shaped. By design, this helps the blade cut — first drawing material in thanks to the design of the tip (it is the first part of the cutting edge that makes contact with the target — it gets there before than many other patterns), then pulling the “work” through the blade thanks to its curve.

Blade steel is 4mm (3.16th inch) N690co hardened to RC59-60. The knife is a capable penetrator and a superb slashing implement that can also serve as an able utility blade.  That much is obvious (and you can watch a cutting demo on the Delta2Alpha YouTube channel). But it has more to offer.

This is a substantial knife, thick across and through the handle. It is completely ambidextrous and the handle is symmetrical except for the divot to accommodate the graduated thumb studs. Handle slabs are lightly textured, CNC-milled G10.

The thick handle is very ergonomic. I found it quite comfortable in my relatively large mitts.  The oversized design also makes it easy to use the knife while wearing gloves. Several grips are possible, from the basic forward and reverse with either blade orientation, to more unconventional grips, such as hooking the index finger over the lower guard in a sabre hold.

The handle has a lanyard hole and is configured for any carry position you could want. Recessed areas for affixing the pocket clip have holes drilled for tip-up or tip-down carry for either the left or right hand. The pocket clip had good tension and required no adjustment; it does not shift thanks to the triple Torx-screw mounting.

Double quillon guards protect the hand in use and also from the potential for lock failure under extreme abuse. (If the blade closes while you hold the knife, the quillon will make contact with your hand, not the sharp edge.)  The knife is a liner-lock that opens smoothly and locks positively. The liner fully engages the blade tang, at the left of the tang with plenty of room for wear. You can, of course, flip the knife open using the quillons as purchase.

Given the size and shape of the knife, it could be used, closed, as a pocket stick for striking.  You could even use the double quillons for “hatchet” type strikes in the same manner as some of Bram Frank’s “Gunting” style knives (and also in the same manner as Bram teaches, you can open it “kinetically” against an opponent’s body).

I like the fact that this knife is unapologetic in its presentation — it is intended as a full-sized defense and utility tool and is very obviously both. You don’t ever feel like your hand is crowded or that you’re hunting for it in the pocket, yet it isn’t unwieldy or prohibitively heavy.

I was impressed by this knife from the moment I held it. It’s well thought-out, well executed, ergonomic, and aesthetically very clean. This design will do anything you could want a defensive folding knife to do and do it well. It is worth purchasing (and I intend to buy it as soon as production versions are available). Delta2Alpha and ModusCQC are run by good people who deserve your support, so there’s that to consider, too. Tell them The Martialist sent you.*

 

(If you are interested in pre-ordering this blade, you can do so here and use the discount code themartialist to get ten percent off.)