Sifu, the teacher

Sifu, The Teacher:

Unique among modern folding knives, the Sifu (top knife in photo) from Round Eye Knife And Tool, aka REKAT, has often been referred to as the "Mega-folder." The Sifu has a 5.75 inch long blade and an overall length of nearly a foot. The ATS-34 blade is a graceful recurved design with a nicely beveled spine. This was among the last knives produced by REKAT and today specimens are extremely difficult to find. It took me many years to acquire one of these intimidating folders.

The locking mechanism is reputed to withstand a test load of 500 pounds, which is more than ample for any self-defense use. The scales are a finely checkered micarta like those found on many Benchmade knives. The grip is contoured with five finger grooves. The extreme length of the handle allows the user to shift his hand rearward, for greater extension, or choke up on the handle for greater grip strength. The opening and closing is smooth and the lock up is solid. Most impressive with a blade this long is the fact that there is no side-play in the joint. I own three REKAT knives and they are all extremely well made and exceedingly sharp. If you have the opportunity to add a any model REKAT folder to your collection you will not regret it.

Folders of this size were quite common in the Mediterranean. Known sometimes as Navaja, carried most notably by Spaniards, they were often as large as the average Bowie knife and used for work, to preserve their honor, or to settle some vendetta. Some European and British cutlers also manufactured folding Bowies. Most of these had a blade that extended past the handles when folded, necessitating that it be provided with a sheath. When closed, the owner possessed a small knife for utility purposes, and when opened, an intimidating fighting knife. A knife of similar construction is available from Laci Szabo called the "RAD." Check out Laci's website at Szaboinc.