A few years ago the fellow behind Ribsplitter Knifeworks was kind enough to send me an early prototype — long enough ago that his work has evolved considerably since then, including the details of the pocket-hook type sheath with which this model came equipped.
Given how good this early knife is, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by availing yourself of his current product line. Ribsplitter is very “hooked in” to the tactical community on Instagram (his account is @ribsplitter_knifeworks on Instagram). he bills his work as “hand made tools for the working class.”
To that I would add, “hand made t0ols for people who understand knives as defensive weapons. You have so many options, these days, if you carry a knife for self-defense, that it makes sense to go with someone who grasps the concept on as many levels as it has. Ribsplitter does, and that shows in the pikal-style work he’s been doing in recent years. It was also readily apparent in my prototype, which I have carried with pride on many occasions.
Ribsplitter was even kind enough to send me the horn-handled ice pick you see pictured here. It goes without saying that the fit and finish of his work is good. I was pleased with the overall quality and the attention to detail. What I like most about Ribsplitter, however, is that he’s “one of us.” He’s a member of the tactical community, the community of EDC-minded self-defense exponents, that he serves with his products.
The technical details of the knife shown here are kind of irrelevant, given that it’s not representative of the current product line. It’s a razor-sharp blade with an arrowhead profile and a stabilized cord wrap. The cord provides great traction. Even in my ham-sized mitts you can get a sense for the overall package. It’s nice and slim in cross-section, but broad and sharp, making it a substantial sidearm and reliable daily carry blade.
Do not wait. If you carry a knife for self-defense, you should explore the current options available from Ribsplitter, especially if you’re the sort of person who does a pikal or Reverse Grip Edge In method. Some of us do methods that are at least adjacent to that body of techniques, and these are ideal blades for that, too (and not ONLY that). As I said, check out his current product line. A contact form is also available at the Ribsplitter Knifeworks website.
Tell him The Martialist sent you.