Oswego County Machine and Knife first caught my eye because it is a local company (to me). When I contacted OCMK to arrange for a review, I was promptly shipped the CNC-machined “Coyote” folder pictured here. I have already done a YouTube video of this knife, but some people are more comfortable with a print review. A little time has passed since I did the YouTube review and this write-up, and my assessment of the Coyote has not changed. It remains a sturdy, well-executed, well-thought-out folder that possesses many features ideally suited to both utility and self-defense.
The Coyote’s specifications, as detailed on the OCMK website, break down as follows:
Blade Steel: S30V, cryogenically treated to a Rockwell hardness of 58-59
Blade Dimensions: .150 inches thick x 3.50 inches long
Sharpened Bevel: 22°
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum
Liner Lock Material: Titanium
Weight: 4.6 ounces (without lanyard)
The knife is held together by stainless steel Torx fasteners. The aluminum handle is very comfortable, thanks in part to the curve of its design, but due mostly to the well-placed and nicely machined grooves. The grooves can be found on the thumb ramp location, but also on the tail end of the knife, on the obverse, on the liner itself, and even on the large thumb stud affixed to the blade. The handle has rubber inlays for traction (without them it would be too slippery) and is superbly ergonomic overall.
The blade opens smoothly and locks positively, engaging the blade tang fully at the left of the tang. I find the thumb stud nicely positioned for a ready draw. In cutting, the blade (which was very nicely sharped from the manufacturer) held up very well as I used it to slice large volumes of cardboard and paper — media notorious for their ability to dull an edge. The blade has a nice curved belly for slicing and a tip fine enough for deep penetration and fine work.
A rudimentary Nylon belt sheath is included, but I carried the Coyote in my pocket using the affixed pocket clip. While there is only one point of attachment holding the clip in place, it does not shift back and forth as you might expect. The clip had good tension and did not require adjustment. The knife rides securely in my pocket using this means.
The aluminum handle incorporates a lanyard hole, to which a lanyard was affixed from the manufacturer. I could take or leave lanyards, personally, but this one is a nice example.
The knife is comfortable in both the forward and reverse grip, but I’ve chosen not to show reverse here; I think the knife really shines in a forward grip and it is most comfortable in that position. The curve of the handle coupled with the thumb ramp and the integral guard make this a superb knife for self-defense purposes. It moves very well and just feels… right… when wielded in this capacity. I found myself doing flow drills without really meaning to do them, while carrying this knife. It has the optimum combination of curve and point for a cut-and-thrust self-defense blade, too. Additionally,the Coyote is sturdy enough and hefty enough that it could be used as a fist load.
I can’t say enough good things about this knife. I had no real expectations, one way or another, when it was sent to me. I’ve found it to be an absolutely outstanding daily carry tactical knife and can enthusiastically endorse Oswego County Machine and Knife.