Today I received an AUK knife from a group buy set up buy set up on another board. The only other knife I own that is close in price to this one is my Spyderco Military. Something about this design intrigued me, so I dipped into some saved birthday cash and ordered one with a drop point design. There are several other blade styles available.

The maker of this knife is Fuad Accawi. Fuad’s business is called Acre Metal Works. Apparently Fuad just attended BLADE ’08 and tested for Journeyman with the American Blade Society. Not only was he awarded the journeyman level, but one of his blades was selected for the Peck Award (awarded to the outstanding blade submitted by all smiths testing for Journeyman).

The AUK name stands for Acre Utility Knife. The knife is ground from 1/4" 5160 tool steel and is differentially heat treated. If I understand it all correctly, it simply means the knife is strong, takes a good edge , had some flexibility and is not stainless. To me, it represents a clean, purposeful, representation of a working knife.

Here are some pictures:








This knife is comfortable in my hand. I had some misgivings about a knife with a simple handle design with no scales or wrap. I have to say this knife doesn’t need them. The bevels on the handle make it comfortable to hold. The stock it is ground from is thick enough to provide body. The handle tapers to the front to direct the force of your grip and the jimping is just sharp enough to keep you from slipping.

This knife is SHARP!

I love the simple leather sheath. I don’t know if Mr. Accawi makes his sheaths, but the leather work on mine is a perfect complement to the knife—simple and well executed.

This is my first knife from a custom maker. I can see how this could become addicting.

--usp_fan

I like the high grind and shape of the blade. The only things I don't like is that there are no scales or wrap for a handle, and the little saw cuts for grip. Heavy work holding a flat piece of metal, even with rounded edges, makes for sore hands real fast; but if you don't mind that type of grip it is irrelevant. The grip could be easily fixable with some paracord wrap to any hand-filling shape you want. The cuts look pretty, but look like they would be a pain to keep clean (important on 5160 steel since it will rust) because of their depth and size.

It still looks like great knife though!

I have thought about cord wrapping the handle just to see the difference. Without wrap, it is comfortable, just not very shock absorbing. On the other hand, I don't see my self trying to chop with a 4" blade.

I can see a cord wrapped handle as a good way to carry a supply of cord for use in emergency situations along with this knife. My one concern would be getting the cord wet and not being able to dry the steel and oil it to prevent rust.

In a way, to me the attraction of this knife is it's simple execution. I think it will be a good hunter and general use knife.

--usp_fan