At SHOT Show 2014, DPx Gear introduced a new knife concept called DPx Centric which consists of a blade with a carabiner and a rotating, locking blade guard that forms the handle, eliminating the need for a sheath.
The DPx HIT (Handle Inversion Tool) Cutter is one of a new series of knives utilizing the DPx Centric system. Constructed of martensitic CPM S35-VN heat treated steel, the HIT Cutter features a blade length of 2″, with an overall length of 5.5″. The HIT Cutter comes with a soft leather embossed pouch.
www.dpxgear.com/shop/knives/dpx-hit/dpx-hit-cutter
Tags: DPx Gear
I’m waiting on their ‘HIT Skinner’ to come out (eventually). Same concept, but with a straight-back blade.
This kinda kills most of the advantages inherent in conventional sheather fixed blades
Depends on how strong that spring is. If it wears to the point where you have a length of metal slapping back and forth you don’t have much of a sheath or a handle. Haven’t handled one, can’t say, but that’s the main potential weakness of this knife. I like it.
The kind of people looking to cut bulk and ounces from backpacking kit won’t be using it for the kinds of things you’ll need those advantages for. Make it out of titanium, and you’d have an ultralighter’s dream knife.