STB - Short Tactical Bowie

Overview

Mr. Ochs designed the LTB or Large Tactical Bowie and the STB or Short Tactical Bowie like this one in 2002 for one of the commands at MacDill AFB in Florida. The commander of SOCCENT (Special Operations Command, Central) asked him to design a knife for the use of certain personnel who worked for him and this is the result. The knife blade is laser blanked, not forged, a process that was required due to cost restraints of the contract with the military. The blade is hand ground and differentially heat treated by Mr. Ochs with a hard edge and point and a softer spring tempered spine. This can be seen on the "as heat treated" black finish which was also selected to use instead of applying some kind of finish. The military wanted their knives dark so he designed the project around 01 tool steel blanks, with the "as heat treated" finish. Mr. Ochs also made the sheaths. SOCCENT bought about 40 of these models and another command at Fort Bragg, NC bought 30 or so. This knife is not one of the knives purchased by the military, Mr. Ochs also made some of these for the commercial market. This is one of those. Excellent condition. Black micarta scales with brass pins and lanyard hole. Comes with black leather sheath. 5.5" blade 10.75" overall