Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

New to the website? Start Here
"Kochab" obverse side view in T3 deep cryogenically processed 440C high chromium martensitic stainless steel blade, 304 stainless steel bolsters, Petrified Sycamore Wood gemstone handle, sheath of lizard skin inlaid in hand-carved leather shoulder, nylon
"Kochab"

"Contego" Counterterrorism/Tactical Knife

"Contego" Counterterrorism Tactical Knife in T3 cryogenically treated CPM154CM  powder metal technology high molybdenum martensitic stainless steel blade, 304 stainless steel bolsters, Black/Gray G10 fiberglass/epoxy composite handle, hybrid tension tab-locking sheath in kydex, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, titanium
"Contego" Full counterterrorism tactical knife and kit, accessories, mounting, flashlight, storage
NOTICE!
I've made a new layout for the tactical knife descriptions, seen on this page. I've separated the components, briefly describing them in individual boxes. In those boxes are links to dedicated pages describing everything about the part, component, or accessory. The pages are substantial, and offer the history, operation, materials, use, mounting, and care of each accessory.
"Contego" Professional Grade Counterterrorism Combat Knife (Shadow Line)
All Matching in non-reflective flat black camouflage

Designed for professional use, this is a top-of-the-line, incredibly wear-resistant and ultimate corrosion-resistant: a combat counterterrorism, tactical, combat, rescue knife , sheath, and accessory package that is simply the best made. This package is comprehensive, sturdy, dependable, and useable. NO OTHER SOURCE can supply what you see here, all finely handmade to work with your gear, your outing, your mission, and your excursion, no matter the situation and exposure. This is one of the very best counterterrorism/tactical knives and kits made today.

Included:

The Knife

  • Size: Length overall: 11.0" (27.9cm), Blade Length: 5.25" (13.3 cm), Thickness: 0.210" (5.3 mm)
  • Weight: 14.9 oz. (422 grams)
  • Blade: CPM154CM Powder Metal High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered, T3 Specialty Cryogenically treated to Rockwell C61, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
  • Bolsters/Fittings: 304 High Nickel, High Chromium Austenitic Stainless Steel, proprietary surface oxide treatment "Ghost Slate."
  • Handle: Black/Gray G10 Fiberglass/Epoxy Laminate Composite
  • Type/Purpose/Origin: The Contego is a named for the Latin word meaning to shield, protect, cover, and defend. This is a great name for this tactical knife, designed for counterterrorism, combat and defensive use. My Contego pattern is evolved from my "Axia" design, a fine custom tactical knife based on the wide tanto blade. I decided the Axia may be more secure for defense if it had some basic design adjustments suited to that specific use. I incorporated the elliptical finger ring used on some of my other knives, and a very practical and tough front extended bolster like the one on my "Ari B'Lilah" knives. The rear bolster is more compact, and it has a somewhat pointed butt that incorporates a focal apex for force. It's not quite the long protruding extension of the "talon" found on the Ari series. This makes it less prone to interfere with the movement of the knife user, with a more gentle point that won't scratch the owner in active hand and arm movement. I've built the Contego to the highest standards possible: what I'm known for in tactical combat knives, sheaths, and accessories.
  • Blade Steel Alloy: The Contego blade is a special hypereutectoid, high alloy martensitic stainless tool steel, CPM154CM. This is a powder metal technology tool steel, a high technology steel known for extremely even distribution of alloy elements and a uniform microstructure. It's a high molybdenum stainless steel, and the molybdenum aids in forming nucleation sites for complex carbide development. The moly also increases the toughness dramatically, resulting in a blade that's extremely durable. This allows me to temper the steel at a higher overall hardness, for great wear resistance as well. The high chromium and high carbon results in profuse chromium carbides, increasing corrosion resistance as well as wear resistance.
  • Heat Treatment: This Contego has my T3 heat treatment, yielding an astounding blade in incredible condition through advanced processing protocols. How advanced is this treatment? It's a multi-stage cryogenic treatment, involving temperatures ranging in over 2000°F (1090°C) to -320°F (-196°C). The process is an evolution of my advanced heat treating processes, and consists of 33 dedicated and specific steps and takes 172 hours. This means that just to heat treat this blade takes over a week. The reason for this is scientific and critical, but yields the most stable, most wear-resistant, most durable and long-lived structure of this steel, profuse with fine multi-element carbides and a uniform and unbelievably robust structure. This is a testament to my determination to make the very best knives, steels, treatments and kits in the modern world. I know of no one else who has advanced the treatment to this level; it's unheard of in the metals and knifemaking field.
  • Blade Design and Geometry: The blade of the Contego is single-edged, with a three-quarter length top swage to decrease point thickness without removing too much metal that would compromise point strength. The blade is wide (the dimension between the cutting edge and the spine), with a deep hollow grind that provides a thin, aggressively sharp cutting edge with an incredible amount of life even through repeated sharpenings. Sharpenings won't occur often, though; the CPM154CM is strikingly wear-resistant with this advanced cryogenic heat treatment I've provided. The point of the knife is extremely stiff, yet of a very rigid acute angle, ideal for piercing. The secondary cutting point at the yokote (the dividing line between the hollow grind of the point and the hollow grind of the main cutting edge) allows bearing down heavily and applying slicing pressure without compromising the blade. The deep choil gives a definitive starting point for the cutting edge, and the extended forward bolster strengthens the entire assembly.
  • This is an extreme use, highly wear-resistant, extremely keen, high alloy powder metal stainless steel blade with advanced heat treatment.
  • Blade Finish: The blade and bolsters (and all of the accessories) are in my "Shadow" line of counterterrorism and tactical knife finishes. Answering the request for completely subdued and non-reflective surfaces, I developed the Shadow Line with my Ghost Slate finish. This means darkening in a permanent fashion not only the stainless steel of the knife, blade, handle, and fittings, but all of the gear in the entire kit: the fasteners, the sheath parts, aluminum mounts, accessories and entire package. Read more about my Shadow Line and Ghost Slate finish on my Counterterrorism Knives page at this bookmark.
  • Bolsters: I bolstered the Contego with my signature zero-care, high nickel, high chromium 304 austenitic stainless steel bolsters, contoured and rounded for comfort of the hands, and shaped and radiused in the front face for easy cleaning. They are attached with multiple through-tang pins of 304 stainless steel, and the mounting is permanent, as well as extremely corrosion-resistant. This is the same steel used for stainless steel nuts, bolts, and fasteners, and the bolsters are heavy, thick, and solid, giving great balance to the knife. The front bolster is contoured around a 1.25" diameter elliptical forward finger ring, which is rounded and radiused for comfort and smoothness. The rear bolster has a large chamfered 3/8" (10 mm) through-tang lanyard hole for added security when working elevated or over water or in a debris field. The bolsters are dovetailed to create a solid, seamless union with the handle material. The bolsters are treated in my "Ghost Slate" shadow line for reduced glare and match the rest of the knife and gear.
  • Handle: The handle scales are black and gray G10, a fiberglass reinforced epoxy composite that is one of the most durable and dependable manmade handle materials on earth. The scales are dovetailed and locked and bedded under the bolsters, secured with two heavy 304 stainless steel pins. The handle shape is comfortable and extremely safe, with a comfortable belly, and a gentle slope for the heel of the hand that makes the knife mold into the hand. The finger ring offers maximum security between the hand and the knife, essential in the most critical of counter-terrorism and combat tactical missions and applications. This is a feature that is key in cementing the hand-to-knife grip. The Contego design is comfortable particularly in the reverse grip, with the thumb laid atop the rear bolster. The thumb area in forward grip is depressed into the spine, a "thumb drive" arrangement that stabilizes the thumb while allowing great force to be applied to the blade. The tang is fully fileworked with my bold "heterodyne" pattern for increased purchase and handmade signature. The tang is fully tapered, with plenty of thickness to support the butt at the rear bolster. The heavy rear bolster is solidly mounted to the tang with multi-peened zero-clearance pins, and has an extra-large 3/8" through-tang lanyard hole for super security when working elevated or near water or in special circumstances that require insurance against losing the knife. The large lanyard hole is chamfered and dressed smooth for abrasion reduction of the lanyard and is easy and fast to thread.
  • Balance and Feel: The center of balance of the knife is right at the finger ring, making the blade feel weight-neutral, and the handle substantial, full, and solid. The Contego feels serious and dependable, a steadfast, wear-resistant, and tough stainless steel cutting tool and defensive weapon.

Included:

The Sheaths

This knife has three sheaths, one in heavy leather, one in tactical combat, tab-locking, one leather post-lock.


1. The Leather Sheath
  • Weight: 9.9 oz. (281 grams)
  • Materials: Heavy 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, stainless steel reinforcement screws, hand-stamped, black lacquered, nylon stitching
  • Storage: double-layered embroidered drawstring bag in cotton canvas, polyester
  • Description: I've included a heavy, tough, and solid leather sheath for the Contego, in 9-10 oz. leather shoulder, hand-stamped and tooled. The leather is shoulder, from mature cows, and is twice as thick as most other knifemakers use. The sheath mouth at its thickest is reinforced with stainless steel Chicago screws. The stamp-tooling is a black basketweave pattern for traditional service-rated appearance. The sheath is also useful for traditional and conventional wear options. The sheath has a single belt loop that is double-stitched throughout with the toughest nylon thread that is water and sunlight resistant. The knife fits deep and secure into the sheath, with the handle exposed and the high back of the sheath protecting the wearer. The entire sheath assembly is double-row stitched for extreme durability. The sheath edges are dressed and smoothed for comfort; the entire sheath is sealed with lacquer for water resistance, permanence, and longevity. Leather is irreplaceable in extremely cold or hot environments, and where absolute silence is needed in tactical operations with no clicking when in contact against objects, people, or gear. The leather sheath is also great for a "non-tactical" outdoors look in a more casual setting when a knife simply needs to be a tool.

1. The Post-Lock Leather Sheath
  • Weight: 9.4 oz. (267 grams)
  • Materials: Heavy 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, stainless steel reinforcement screws, hand-stamped, black lacquered, nylon stitching
  • Storage: double-layered embroidered drawstring bag in cotton canvas, polyester
  • Description: This is a new design at the time of this writing and sale of this knife. My client requested a knife sheath that was leather, but had the handle extending from the sheath for easy access. Additionally, he requested a positively locking leather sheath, a challenging task indeed! I designed this great Post-Lock leather sheath, where a post of leather, secured by internal and external stainless steel dot snaps, engages in the finger ring of the knife handle for absolutely, positively locking the knife in the sheath. The sheath is made of 10 oz. heavy shoulder leather, dyed black and sealed, black heavy #346 nylon thread, blackened stainless steel snaps, Chicago screws, and fasteners. This design is so great that I added the details on my "Locking Tactical Knife" page at this link.

2. The Tactical Sheath
  • Weight: 10.9 oz. (309 grams)
  • Materials: Hybrid Tension Tab-Locking in Black Kydex, Black Anodized Aluminum Alloy, Blackened Stainless Steel, anodized 6AL4V Titanium.
  • Description: This sheath is one of my hybrid tension tab-locking models, originally designed for counterterrorism use. This is my proprietary design, the best possible sheath of its type available in the world today. Actually, it is the ONLY type of this sheath available in the world today!
Get all of the details about this Hybrid Tension Tab-Locking Sheath at this link.

Included:

Accessories: Belt Loops, Plates, Straps, Clamps

This kit contains my standard belt loop and mounting package.

  • Standard Belt Loops: accommodates 0.190" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Medium Profile Belt Loops: accommodates 0.250" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • High Profile Belt Loops: accommodates .250" thick by 1.5" belt, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Vertical Flat Mounting Straps: accommodates up to 2.0" wide belt, web, strapping, or gear, clamps rigidly and vertically 90 degrees to the long axis of the sheath, black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Horizontal Flat Mounting Straps: accommodates 1" to 3" wide belt, web, strapping, or gear, clamps rigidly and horizontally (in line with the long axis of the sheath), black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Horizontal Belt Loop Plates: allows wear with the long axis of the sheath in line with standard belt, without rigid clamping, accommodates .250" thick by 1.5" belt, welded black anodized 5052H32 high strength corrosion resistant aluminum alloy, anodized black at 1 mil thickness
  • Vertical High Strength Flat Mounting Straps: allows rigid and high strength clamping of sheath to web, strap, or both belt loop extenders, made of drilled and milled blackened 304 high nickel, high chromium stainless steel
Get all the details about the Belt Loops, Plates, Straps, Clamps, and Fasteners at this link

Included:

Belt Loop Extenders (2)

  • Ultimate Belt Loop Extender (UBLX): allows wearing with locking sheath and knife handle just below the belt line, with DMT folding pocket diamond abrasive sharpener, in black polypropylene, polyester, black acetyl buckles. DMT diamond sharpener.
  • Extended Length Belt Loop Extender (EXBLX): allows wearing with locking sheath and knife sheath below the belt line, sheath tail just above knee, with 2" wide leg strap, in black polypropylene, polyester, blackened stainless steel, acetyl buckles.
Get all the details about the UBLX and the EXBLX mounting, fasteners, and use at this link

Included:

HULA (Holder, Universal, Lamp, Articulating

  • HULA with Maglite Mag-Tac flashlight: provides a primary, fully adjustable flashlight in removable holder, with a frame that can be aimed and locked in any direction, mounted on the sheath body no matter where the knife is worn. This is the very best, most durable flashlight holder made in the world today.
Get all the details about the HULA: mounting, fasteners, materials, and use at this link

Included:

LIMA (Lamp, Independent Mounting Assembly

  • Lamp Independent Mount Assembly (LIMA): Backup, emergency, safety LED programmable flashlight and independent web frame and mount, in polypropylene stitched with high strength polyester, anodized 5052 high strength corrosion resistant black anodized aluminum mounting bar, 304 stainless steel ring retainers, nylon elastic shock cord, with ThruNite Ti3 flashlight.
Get all the details about the LIMA: mounting, fasteners, materials, and use at this link

Included:

Sternum Harness Plus

  • Sternum Harness Plus: allows wearing of locking sheath upside down across sternum, handle down, in black polypropylene, polyester, acetyl buckles
Get the details about the Sternum Harness Plus: mounting, materials, and use at this link

Included:

Diamond Abrasive Sharpener, Lanyards

  • Diamond Sharpener with Pad/Sheath: Diamond abrasive sharpening stone, 2" x 6", double-sided (400G/600G), nickel bonded diamond abrasives over phenolic core, heavy nylon sheath to store and protect other gear from diamond abrasives; sheath doubles as work pad so diamond does not scratch surfaces, stitched with polyester, hook and loop closure
  • Lanyards: 550 Nylon Kernmantle Rope (Paracord) sliding noose lanyard, waterproof adjustable SCUBA lanyard with silicone rubber padding
Get the details about the sharpener, pad/sheath and lanyards at this link

Included:

Duffle, Storage

  • Duffle Bag: 1000 denier Cordura® ballistic nylon, waterproof polyurethane coated, interior lined with heavy polyester felt. Nylon, polyester, polypropylene sling handles, embroidered patch, removable embroidered name patch with hook and loop
  • Storage bags and tins for hardware, leather sheath, HULA assembly
Get the details about the duffles, bags and storage at this link

Thanks, S. H.!



To see many more options for mounting, wear, and rigging, please visit these pages and look over their detailed photo sets. I've assembled and mounted the knives and kit accessories in a variety of ways, and most of the various arrangements are applicable to this knife as well.


To Counterterrorism Knives Page

To Tactical Combat Knives Page

To Featured Knife Pages


Main Purchase Tactical Specific Types Technical More
Home Page Where's My Knife, Jay? Current Tactical Knives for Sale The Awe of the Blade Knife Patterns My Photography
Website Overview Current Knives for Sale Tactical, Combat Knife Portal Museum Pieces Knife Pattern Alphabetic List Photographic Services
My Mission My Knife Prices All Tactical, Combat Knives Investment, Collector's Knives Copyright and Knives Photographic Images
The Finest Knives and You How To Order Counterterrorism Knives Daggers Knife Anatomy  
Featured Knives: Page One Purchase Finished Knives  Professional, Military Commemoratives Swords Custom Knives  
Featured Knives: Page Two Order Custom Knives USAF Pararescue Knives Folding Knives Modern Knifemaking Technology My Writing
Featured Knives: Page Three Knife Sales Policy USAF Pararescue "PJ- Light" Chef's Knives Factory vs. Handmade Knives First Novel
Featured Knives: Older/Early Bank Transfers  27th Air Force Special Operations  Food Safety, Kitchen, Chef's Knives Six Distinctions of Fine Knives Second Novel
Email Jay Fisher Custom Knife Design Fee Khukris: Combat, Survival, Art Hunting Knives Knife Styles Knife Book
Contact, Locate Jay Fisher Delivery Times Serrations Working Knives Jay's Internet Stats  
FAQs My Shipping Method Grip Styles, Hand Sizing Khukris The 3000th Term Videos
Current, Recent Works, Events Business of Knifemaking Concealed Carry and Knives Skeletonized Knives Best Knife Information and Learning About Knives  
Client's News and Info   Military Knife Care Serrations Cities of the Knife Links
Who Is Jay Fisher?   The Best Combat Locking Sheath Knife Sheaths Knife Maker's Marks  
Testimonials, Letters and Emails     Knife Stands and Cases How to Care for Custom Knives Site Table of Contents
Top 22 Reasons to Buy   Tactical Knife Sheath Accessories Handles, Bolsters, Guards Knife Making Instruction  
My Knifemaking History   Loops, Plates, Straps Knife Handles: Gemstone Larger Monitors and Knife Photos  
What I Do And Don't Do    Belt Loop Extenders-UBLX, EXBLX Gemstone Alphabetic List New Materials  
CD ROM Archive   Independent Lamp Accessory-LIMA Knife Handles: Woods Knife Shop/Studio, Page 1  
Publications, Publicity   Universal Main Lamp Holder-HULA Knife Handles: Horn, Bone, Ivory Knife Shop/Studio, Page 2  
My Curriculum Vitae   Sternum Harness Knife Handles: Manmade Materials    
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 1 Blades and Steels Sharpeners, Lanyards Knife Embellishment     
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 2 Blades Bags, Cases, Duffles, Gear    
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 3 Knife Blade Testing Modular Sheath Systems  
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 4 440C: A Love/Hate Affair PSD Principle Security Detail Sheaths      
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 5 ATS-34: Chrome/Moly Tough
Funny Letters and Emails, Pg. 6 D2: Wear Resistance King        
The Curious Case of the "Sandia" O1: Oil Hardened Blued Beauty        
The Sword, the Veil, the Legend Elasticity, Stiffness, Stress,
and Strain in Knife Blades
   
Professional Knife Consultant Heat Treating and
Cryogenic Processing of
Knife Blade Steels