First Look: Hawk Knives MUDD

The very first piece of equipment sent for our #TrailsFound media event arrived couple days ago — it's a Hawk Knives MUDD (Multi Utility Dirt Defiant) folder. If you're one of those who appreciate fine knives you'll recall this was the first folder with the so-called (and widely admired) “Hawk Lock”. The Hawk Lock is a polyurethane sealed locking mechanism with a silicon rubber “boot”, designed to prevent any sort of dirt or grit from impeding any part of the action.

The subsequent ZT version of the Hawk Lock won Most Innovative Design at a later Blade Show.

The M.U.D.D. isn't a new knife. It's been around for a couple years now but isn't always in stock. It's part of their mid-tech line but even so is at the higher end of that type when it comes to quality and price. It has a bead-blasted XHP blade, tumbled titanium frame, carbon fiber overlays and a thumb-levering, bead blasted clip that successfully made me look like a serious dumbass within less than 48 hours of beginning to carry it — more on that later. I still feel too stupid to talk about it.

Round thumb studs on the back of the blade allow easy one-handed opening and there's a longitudinal locking slide on the side of the handle to close it back up — again, easily manipulated with one handed (with either hand) if need be. So far I haven't had any issues doing so with gloves on, but I'll go through a few other styles and manufacturers of gloves before the review is over to see if that's a constant. Lanyard ovals on the spine provide a place to secure a some sort of tether, if you're so inclined.

Which I am.

I could misplace a bright red G-Shock watch while sitting naked in an empty white bathtub — it's one of my many talents. You might consider a lanyard or tether if carry a M.U.D.D. for utility EDC purposes even if you're better at keeping track of things than me — unless losing track of a $450 knife wouldn't be an issue for you.

More in the coming days and weeks on the M.U.D.D., and on other pieces of gear as well. We'll be putting it al through its paces in the Arizona backcountry while training with Jim Grasky.

Find Hawk Knives online right here. They are on Facebook as Hawk Designs, though the URL reads knives, and you can follow them on Instagram, @hawkknives.

Now take a minute to follow the Special Operations Care Fund (@SOC_F) or get involved with the Dead Bird Society and support their charitable efforts..

Hawk Knives MUDD Specifications

Overall Length: 7.75″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Blade Thickness: 0.125″
Blade Material: CTS-XHP
Blade Style: Clip Point
Blade Grind: Hollow
Finish: Stonewash
Edge Type: Plain
Handle Length: 4.50″
Handle Thickness: 0.69″
Handle Material: Carbon Fiber
Frame/Liner: Titanium
Weight: 4.88 oz.
User: Ambi
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up