A great blade steel balances three qualities: • edge retention (how long it stays sharp) • toughness (resistance to chipping) • corrosion resistance Different steels emphasize different strengths.

If you carry your knife daily, a light cleaning every few weeks is ideal. If the knife has been used around food, dirt, or sticky materials, cleaning it right away helps maintain smooth operation and prevents buildup inside the pivot.

The United States has a long tradition of knife making and produces many outstanding knives. American manufacturers are known for high quality materials and craftsmanship. However, excellent knives are made around the world.

Always open the knife slowly and deliberately, keeping your fingers away from the blade path. Many modern knives include thumb studs, flippers, or assisted opening mechanisms that make this easier.

Mad Hawk Gear warrants to the original purchaser that Mad Hawk branded knives are free from defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product under normal, intended, and lawful use. This Limited Lifetime Warranty: Applies only to the original purchaser Is non transferable Applies only to products purchased directly from Mad Hawk Gear or an authorized dealer If Mad Hawk Gear determines, in its sole and exclusive discretion, that a product contains a defect covered by this warranty, Mad Hawk Gear will, at its option: Repair the product, or Replace the product with the same model or a comparable model if the original is unavailable. Replacement products may contain new or refurbished components. Exclusions This warranty does not cover: Normal wear and tear, including edge dulling or cosmetic damage Rust, corrosion, or staining resulting from environmental exposure or improper maintenance Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, negligence, improper storage, or unintended use Use for prying, hammering, striking hardened objects, or cutting metal Improper sharpening, re profiling, or grinding Disassembly, modification, or repair by any person other than Mad Hawk Gear Accidental damage, loss, or theft Mad Hawk Gear reserves the sole right to inspect and determine warranty eligibility. Except as expressly provided herein, all products are provided “as is” without additional warranties of any kind.

German knife makers are famous for precision engineering and long traditions in blade manufacturing. Cities like Solingen have been associated with high quality blades for centuries.

Always cut away from your body whenever possible. This simple rule greatly reduces the risk of injury.

A simple method works best. Wipe the blade with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove debris. Dry thoroughly with a towel. Apply a drop of lubricant to the pivot. Avoid soaking the entire knife for long periods.

Many steels work extremely well for EDC use, including: • D2 • 14C28N • S30V • AUS-8 • Nitro-V These steels provide a great balance of edge retention and durability.

30 Day Return Period Unused products may be returned within thirty (30) days of delivery for a refund or exchange. To qualify: Product must be unused and in original condition Original packaging must be included Proof of purchase is required Customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to an error by Mad Hawk Gear. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method following inspection and approval. Original shipping charges are non refundable. Used products are not eligible for return unless approved under warranty evaluation. Mad Hawk Gear reserves the right to deny returns that do not meet these requirements.

Sweden is known for its high quality steel and traditional knife making. Swedish steels are respected throughout the knife industry.

Yes. A small drop of knife oil on the pivot keeps the action smooth and reduces wear. Many people also apply a very thin coat of oil to the blade to protect against moisture.

Yes. By purchasing any product from Mad Hawk Gear, the customer represents and warrants that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and legally permitted to purchase and possess the product in their jurisdiction. Mad Hawk Gear does not knowingly sell products to minors and reserves the right to cancel any transaction believed to involve a minor.

High-end steels like S35VN, M390, and CPM-20CV are known for exceptional edge retention. They can stay sharp through extended use.

Hold the knife firmly with your fingers wrapped around the handle and your thumb on the spine or handle for control. A secure grip helps prevent slipping.

No. Dishwashers expose knives to prolonged heat, harsh detergents, and water that can damage handles, pivots, and finishes.

China produces knives across the entire quality spectrum, from affordable everyday tools to extremely high-end collector pieces. Many premium knives sold worldwide are manufactured in modern Chinese facilities that use advanced machinery and high quality materials.

Steels like 14C28N, AUS-8, and 8Cr13MoV are known for being easy to maintain and sharpen while still providing excellent performance.

Locks help keep the blade securely open during use. Popular lock types include: • liner lock • frame lock • back lock • crossbar style locks These mechanisms improve safety and confidence while cutting.

Mad Hawk Knife Care Guide Honor The Edge. Protect The Steel. At Mad Hawk Gear, we build blades meant to be used, trusted, and handed down. A quality knife will serve you for years if you take care of it properly. Here is how to keep your Mad Hawk performing at its peak. 1. Keep the Blade Clean After each use, wipe the blade down with a soft cloth to remove dirt, moisture, sap, or residue. If needed, wash gently with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Rinse, then dry immediately and completely. Never leave water sitting on the steel. 2. Care for the Handle Different handle materials require slightly different treatment: Wood or natural materials: Wipe with a lightly damp cloth. Do not soak. Excess moisture can cause swelling or cracking. Synthetic handles: Mild soap and warm water work well. Rinse and dry thoroughly. No matter the material, moisture is the enemy. Keep it dry. 3. Dry It Completely This step matters more than most people realize. After cleaning, make sure the blade, handle, pivot area, and hardware are fully dry. Use a clean cloth and take a moment to inspect seams and crevices where water can hide. Steel rusts when neglected. It stays strong when respected. 4. Protect the Steel with Oil Apply a light coat of natural oil to the blade to guard against corrosion. Olive oil or food safe mineral oil works well. Avoid petroleum based products. Use a clean cloth to spread a thin, even layer across the blade, then wipe off any excess. The goal is protection, not saturation. 5. Keep the Edge Sharp A sharp knife is safer and more effective than a dull one. Use a quality sharpening system such as a diamond stone or professional grade whetstone. Maintain the factory edge angle and take your time. After heavy use, a few minutes of touch up sharpening keeps your blade responsive and controlled. If you are unsure of your sharpening technique, practice on a less valuable blade first or consult a professional. 6. Remove Rust Early If surface rust appears, do not panic. Use a metal polish such as Flitz Metal Polish and a microfiber cloth to gently buff the affected area. Most light corrosion can be removed quickly if addressed early. The key is not letting it sit. 7. Maintain the Sheath Your sheath protects the blade in the field, but it also needs care. Wipe it down regularly to remove dirt and debris. If washing is necessary, use mild soap and water, then allow it to dry completely before reinserting the knife. Leather in particular can retain moisture from the air. 8. Store It the Right Way Store your knife in a cool, dry location. Avoid long term storage inside leather sheaths. Leather pulls moisture from the air and can slowly corrode steel over time. For extended storage, keep the knife lightly oiled and resting on a microfiber cloth in a dry space. 9. Use It with Intention A Mad Hawk is built for performance, not abuse. Do not cut metal, pry with the blade, or strike nails or hard steel objects. Use the knife for its intended purpose and it will reward you with years of reliable service. 10. Inspect It Regularly Take a moment now and then to check your blade. Look for edge wear, loose hardware, corrosion, or handle damage. A quick cleaning and oiling when needed prevents small issues from becoming big problems. Final Word A Mad Hawk knife is more than a tool. It’s something to be loved and admired. It is a human artifact crafted with ingenuity. The metals in Mad Hawk knives are modern, high quality steel blades and handles of various types. It’s an amazing piece of gear built with purpose. Maintain it. Respect it. Trust it. Honor The Edge.

Tough steels resist chipping during hard work. Examples include: • CPM-3V • 5160 • AEB-L These steels are excellent for demanding tasks.

Tiny particles of lint, dust, or dirt can collect inside the pivot area. A quick cleaning and a drop of lubricant usually restores smooth action.

Modern locking mechanisms are designed to prevent this, but users should still operate knives carefully and avoid placing fingers in the blade path.

Global manufacturing allows companies to offer a wider range of price points while still maintaining strong design and quality control standards.

Not necessarily. Some high-end knives made internationally use premium materials, advanced machining, and hand finishing that place them among the best knives in the world.

Store knives in a dry place. If a knife will not be used for a long time, lightly oil the blade and keep it away from humidity.

No. Folding knives are cutting tools, not pry bars. Using them for prying can damage the knife or cause injury.

Absolutely. Even affordable steels today perform far better than many steels used decades ago. With proper heat treatment, they can deliver outstanding performance.

Steel discussions are part science and part passion. Knife collectors enjoy comparing different steels, but the truth is that many modern steels perform extremely well in real-world use.

Close the knife first before handing it to another person.

Over-lubricating. A tiny drop is enough. Too much oil attracts dirt and dust.

The most important factors are: • design • heat treatment of the steel • quality control • intended use A well designed knife made anywhere can perform exceptionally well.

Most modern steels hold an edge for a long time. Touch-ups with a sharpening system or ceramic rod keep them performing their best.